Context and Rationale

The development of critical thinking skills in students is increasingly recognized as

essential for academic success and effective citizenship in a complex, information-rich world.

Recent studies underscore the necessity of integrating critical thinking into educational

practices, particularly for Grade 9 students, who are at a pivotal stage in their cognitive

development. Research indicates that traditional teaching methods, which often emphasize rote

memorization, fail to cultivate the analytical and evaluative skills needed for higher-order

thinking (Atwa et al., 2022). This gap in educational practice necessitates a shift towards more

innovative and engaging instructional strategies that promote critical thinking.

Critical thinking is not just an academic skill but a vital life skill that enables individuals to

navigate the complexities of modern society. It involves the ability to think clearly and rationally,

understand logical connections between ideas, and evaluate arguments. These skills are crucial

for problem-solving and decision-making in everyday life, making their development in students

a priority for educators. The importance of critical thinking extends beyond the classroom, as it

equips students with the tools needed to become informed and engaged citizens capable of

contributing thoughtfully to their communities.

Importance of Critical Thinking

Critical thinking involves the ability to analyze, evaluate, and synthesize information,

enabling students to navigate complex problems and make informed decisions (Wilis et al.,

2023). It is a multifaceted skill that encompasses various cognitive processes, including

interpretation, analysis, evaluation, inference, explanation, and self-regulation. Developing these

skills in students is essential for their academic growth and future success.

A study by Atwa et al. (2022) found that implementing a flipped classroom model

significantly improved Grade 9 students' critical thinking skills across various subjects, including

Science, Math, IT, and English. The flipped classroom model reverses the traditional learning

environment by delivering instructional content, often online, outside of the classroom. This
approach allows classroom time to be used for engaging in interactive activities that reinforce

the material and promote critical thinking. The study utilized a quasi-experimental design and

revealed that students in the experimental group exhibited statistically significant improvements

in critical thinking compared to their peers in a traditional learning environment. This finding

highlights the effectiveness of innovative instructional strategies in fostering critical thinking

among secondary students.

Critical thinking enables students to question assumptions, recognize biases, evaluate

evidence, and understand the broader context of issues. These skills are particularly important

in the digital age, where students are constantly bombarded with vast amounts of information

from various sources. Being able to critically assess the credibility and relevance of this

information is essential for making informed decisions and avoiding misinformation.

Contextualized Learning Approaches

Contextualized learning approaches, such as problem-based learning (PBL) and the 5Es

instructional model (Engage, Explore, Explain, Elaborate, Evaluate), have been shown to

enhance students' critical thinking abilities by connecting academic content to real-world

scenarios (Lapuz & Fulgencio, 2020). These approaches make learning more relevant and

meaningful for students, as they see the practical applications of the concepts they are studying.

Problem-based learning (PBL) is an instructional method that challenges students to

"learn to learn" by engaging them in real-world problems. In PBL, students work in collaborative

groups to identify what they need to learn to solve a problem, conduct research, and apply their

new knowledge to propose solutions. This process fosters critical thinking, as students must

analyze the problem, evaluate possible solutions, and justify their decisions. A recent study

demonstrated that PBL not only improved students' critical thinking skills but also increased their

engagement and motivation to learn (Lapuz & Fulgencio, 2020). This approach encourages

students to actively participate in their learning process, fostering a deeper understanding of the

material and the development of critical thinking competencies.

strategy for promoting critical thinking. This model provides a framework for structuring lessons

in a way that encourages students to construct their own understanding of concepts. The

Engage phase captures students' interest and stimulates their curiosity. The Explore phase

allows students to investigate the concept through hands-on activities. The Explain phase

involves students articulating their understanding and receiving feedback. The Elaborate phase

extends their knowledge by applying it to new situations. Finally, the Evaluate phase assesses

their understanding and skills. This structured approach helps students develop critical thinking

skills by guiding them through the process of inquiry and reflection.

Metacognition and Creative Thinking

Moreover, the relationship between metacognitive abilities and critical thinking has been

emphasized in recent research. Metacognition refers to the awareness and regulation of one's

own thinking processes. It involves planning, monitoring, and evaluating one's understanding

and performance. Students with strong metacognitive skills are better equipped to engage in

critical thinking tasks because they can strategically approach problems and reflect on their

thinking processes.

Wilis et al. (2023) found that students with strong metacognitive skills were better

equipped to engage in critical thinking tasks. Their study demonstrated that STEM-based online

learning environments could effectively enhance both metacognitive and creative thinking skills.

These environments often incorporate interactive simulations, virtual labs, and problem-solving

activities that require students to apply their knowledge in new and creative ways. This suggests

that integrating metacognitive and creative thinking elements into the curriculum can lead to

improved critical thinking outcomes.

critical thinking. Both skills require the ability to think flexibly and consider multiple perspectives.

By fostering creative thinking, educators can help students develop the capacity to think

critically about problems and generate innovative solutions. The integration of STEM-based

activities that promote creativity and critical thinking can create a dynamic learning environment

where students are encouraged to explore, experiment, and reflect on their learning.

Implementing Critical Thinking Strategies in the Classroom

To effectively develop critical thinking skills in students, educators must implement strategies

that promote active learning and engagement. One approach is to use open-ended questions

and problems that require students to think deeply and justify their reasoning. These questions

encourage students to go beyond surface-level understanding and engage in higher-order

thinking.

Collaborative learning activities, such as group discussions and peer reviews, also

support the development of critical thinking skills. Working with peers allows students to hear

different perspectives, challenge their assumptions, and refine their thinking. Educators can

facilitate these activities by creating a classroom environment that encourages open dialogue

and respect for diverse viewpoints.

Incorporating technology into the classroom can also enhance critical thinking. Digital

tools, such as online simulations, interactive modules, and virtual labs, provide students with

opportunities to explore complex concepts and apply their knowledge in new contexts. These

tools can make abstract ideas more concrete and help students visualize the connections

between different pieces of information.

Assessment is another critical component of promoting critical thinking. Traditional

assessments, such as multiple-choice tests, may not adequately measure students' critical

thinking abilities. Alternative assessment methods, such as portfolios, project-based

assessments, and performance tasks, allow students to demonstrate their critical thinking skills
in more authentic ways. These assessments can provide valuable insights into students' thought

processes and their ability to apply their knowledge to real-world problems.

Developing critical thinking skills in students is crucial for their academic success and

effective participation in society, as traditional teaching methods often fail to foster these

abilities. Innovative instructional strategies, such as problem-based learning and the 5Es

instructional model, enhance critical thinking by linking academic content to real-world

scenarios, while metacognitive and creative thinking skills further support this development.

Educators play a vital role by creating environments that promote active learning, collaboration,

and technology use, along with thoughtful assessment practices to understand and support

students' growth as critical thinkers. Prioritizing these skills prepares students to navigate

modern life's complexities and become informed, engaged citizens who contribute meaningfully

to their communities.

This action research is grounded in the need to enhance Grade 9 students' critical

thinking skills through effective and engaging instructional strategies. It was observed by the

researchers that Grade 9 students at the Ilocos Norte College of Arts and Trades especially in

Science lack the ability to use critical thinking skills when they are presented with challenging

situations or problems to solve. By utilizing contextualized 5Es activity sheets, educators can

create a learning environment that not only promotes critical thinking but also prepares students

to face the challenges of the 21st century. The findings from recent studies support the

implementation of innovative teaching methods, highlighting their potential to foster critical

thinking and improve overall academic performance among secondary school students.
References

Atwa, Z., Sulayeh, Y., Abdelhadi, A., Jazar, H. A., & Eriqat, S. (2022). Flipped classroom effects
on Grade 9 students' critical thinking skills, psychological stress, and academic achievement.
International Journal of Instruction, 15(2), 737-750.

Lapuz, A. M. E., & Fulgencio, M. N. (2020). Problem-based learning: A strategy to improve

Wilis, R., Prayitno, B. A., Sunarno, W., & Anjirawaroj, S. (2023). Improving students'
metacognitive abilities and creative thinking skills through STEM-based online learning. Journal
of Biological Education Indonesia.