Enhancing critical thinking skills for low-grade elementary school students using mobile apps

Abstract

This research was motivated by elementary school students’ low critical thinking ability and their familiarity with gadgets. They use gadgets with various Android-based mobile applications that can be easily downloaded. Thus, this research was designed using an experimental method by explaining to the respondents the instructions for using SBL Apps before operating the application. The population was all lower grade elementary school students in Sumedang Regency, West Java, Indonesia. A random sample of 16 third graders of SDN 1 Citimun was selected. The students were given an explanation first, about how to use SBL Apps, and then they operated the application independently. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and questionnaires, and then processed by qualitative and quantitative analysis. The research results showed that 1) students' responses were positive and significant toward SBL Apps, and 2) the use of SBL Apps could significantly improve students' critical thinking skills. Keywords: Enhancing, Critical thinking; Low-grade students; Mobile Apps, SBL Apps

Edutainment in social studies learning: Can it develop critical thinking skills and creativity?

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