Phenomenon-based learning management to develop critical thinking and problem solving skills on the phenomenon of the world and natural disasters of grade 6 students

Abstract

          The purposes of this research were to: 1. investigate the characteristics of Phenomenon-based learning, which can improve students' critical thinking and problem-solving skills, and 2. study the results of implementing Phenomenon-based learning activities on students' critical thinking and problem-solving skills. The sample group consisted of 30 Primary 6 students who were enrolled in a small-sized primary school in Sukhothai. This study used three cycles of action research. The research instruments included lesson plans for Phenomenon-based learning activities on students' critical thinking and problem-solving skills, critical thinking and problem-solving skills assessments, and activity sheets.
          The findings revealed that: 1) The following characteristics of Phenomenon-based learning activities on students' critical thinking and problem-solving skills consisted of: 1.1) teachers should select phenomena or situations that students are exposed to in order to get a better understanding of those situations. 1.2) Situations should be related to phenomena that students are exposed to in order for them to understand and connect to the main phenomenon's explanation. 1.3) Collaboration should be focused on learning activities to encourage students to share their knowledge, analyze, interpret, summarize data, and evaluate different ideas through discussion with other students. 2) The results of implementing Phenomenon-based learning activities on the critical thinking and problem-solving skills of Primary 6 students show that the overall level of students' critical thinking and problem-solving skills increased from 49.75 percent to 81.25 percent.