CRITICAL THINKING SKILL OF STUDENT THROUGH TOP DOWN APPROACH IN PHYSICS LEARNING

Abstract

This article was a research which describes student’s critical thinking skills in learning physics through top down approach. In top down approach, student learned how to solve a challenge which was given by a teacher in classroom. To finish the challenge, student identified physical quantities which they need to solve it. After they had identified the quantities, they thought how to collect data then they conduct an experiment to find it. The experiment result was used to conclude the answer of the challenge. Learning by top down approach guided the student in thinking processes. They learn from the challenge and identify what they need to solve it. They learn how to analyze the data and conclude it as an evidence to answer the challenge. The test of critical thinking skills showed that the students were some proficiency where they able to identify data and information that counts as evidence but fault to thoroughly evaluate its credibility.

Keywords: top down approach, critical thinking skills.