The Development of Problem-Based Learning Activities Based on the Community-Based Concept to Promote Problem-Solving Thinking Abilities for Grade 6th Students

Abstract

 The objectives of this research were: 1) to develop problem-based learning activities using a community-based concept to foster problem-solving thinking ability; 2) to compare students' problem-solving thinking ability against a 75% criterion after using these activities; 3) to compare students' pre- and post-learning science achievement; and 4) to examine their satisfaction with the learning activities. The sample for the study included 12 sixth-grade students from Ban Bak School, selected through cluster random sampling during the second semester of the 2024 academic year. The research tools included 1) 12 lesson plans, 2) a 6-item subjective test for problem-solving thinking, 3) a 20-item achievement test, and 4) a student satisfaction questionnaire. Data analysis involved percentages, means, standard deviations, and t-tests.

The research findings revealed that: 1) The development of problem-based learning activities based on the community-based approach consisted of six steps: (1) connecting and identifying the problem, (2) proposing solutions, (3) conducting research, (4) synthesizing knowledge, (5) concluding and evaluating answers, and (6) presenting and evaluating work. The overall suitability of the developed activities was rated at the highest level by experts. 2) Students’ problem-solving abilities after participating in the learning activities were significantly higher than the 75% criterion at the .05 level. 3)The learning achievement after participating in the learning activities was significantly higher than before at the .05 level. And 4) students’ satisfaction with the learning activities was rated at the highest level.