Analysis of Students' Critical Thinking and Creativity Skills at SMP Negeri 2 Margoyoso

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the extent to which students' critical thinking and creativity skills at SMP Negeri 2 Margoyoso are developed through science learning activities. A survey method with a quantitative approach was employed to collect the data. A modified questionnaire was distributed to respondents to gather information regarding their critical thinking and creativity abilities. This approach was chosen to ensure objective data analysis and to provide a measurable description of the existing conditions. Data were collected through a Google Form distributed to 30 students from grades VII, VIII, and IX. The results indicated that students demonstrated relatively good abilities in understanding and processing information, presenting logical arguments, and generating ideas relevant to the learning context. The ANOVA test revealed no significant differences among grade levels (significance value = 0.208, greater than 0.05), indicating that their abilities were relatively similar. However, higher-order thinking skills, such as integrating information, conducting self-evaluation, and producing original ideas, still require further improvement. Therefore, the implementation of active learning models, such as Problem-Based Learning and Project-Based Learning, is highly recommended to optimize the development of students' critical thinking and creativity skills.