Effectiveness of Multicultural Problem-Based Learning Models in Improving Social Attitudes and Critical Thinking Skills of Elementary School Students in Thematic Instruction

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of multicultural problem-based learning models to improve social attitudes and critical thinking skills of elementary school students in thematic learning. This study employs a quasi-experimental approach with a posttest-only control group design. There are 165 students in the sample of the study. The data collection method used is a questionnaire on social attitudes and an achievement test on critical thinking ability. The post-test data are analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics. The analysis covers the mean score, standard deviation and variance while the inferential statistical analysis utilizes the MANOVA test. The results of the analysis show that the multicultural problem-based learning model is effective in improving students’ social attitudes and critical thinking skills. Therefore, this learning model is recommended as an innovative learning model.