The Development of Mathematical Problem Solving and Critical Thinking Abilities using Problem Based Learning with Graphic Organizers Technique for Grade 7 Students

Abstract

           The objectives of the research were to develop grade 7 students’ mathematical problem solving and critical thinking abilities using Problem Based Learning with Graphic Organizers Technique for grade 7 students. So that students would have average score not less than 70% of total score and the number of students who passed the criteria were more than 70%. The research design was action research. The target group consisted of 13 students from grade 7 at Huayyangwittayasan School under the Office of Khon Kaen Primary Educational Service Area 4, during the first semester of the 2020 academic year. The research instruments were lesson plans using Problem Based Learning with Graphic Organizers Technique, a record form of instruction record form, a behaviour record form of teacher’s teaching and students’ learning,
a student interview form, a test on the students’ mathematical problem solving ability and a test on
the students’ critical thinking ability. Quantitative data were analysed by using descriptive statistics, consisting of arithmetic mean ( ), standard deviation (S.D.) and percentage (%). Qualitative data were analysed by using content analysis.

              The results were summarized: 1) the students had average of mathematical problem solving ability for 28.69 or 71.73% of the total score, and there were 10 students or 76.92% passed the criteria which was higher than defined criteria. 2) The students had average of critical thinking ability for 23.62
or 78.72% of the total score, and there were 12 students or 92.31% passed the criteria which was higher than defined criteria.