KEMAMPUAN BERPIKIR KRITIS SISWA DALAM MENYELESAIKAN SOAL PADA PEMBELAJARAN MATEMATIKA

Abstract

Abstrak: This study aims to analyze high school students' critical thinking skills in solving mathematical problems, specifically on the topic of probability of an event, based on their mathematical ability level. This study used a qualitative method with a descriptive case study approach. The research subjects consisted of three students from SMA Negeri 1 Ingin Jaya, selected through purposive sampling, each representing high, medium, and low mathematical ability categories. Data were collected through basic mathematical ability tests, probability problem-solving tasks, semi-structured interviews, and documentation. Data analysis included data reduction, presentation, and drawing conclusions based on Facione's critical thinking indicators: interpretation, analysis, evaluation, and inference. The results showed that students with high mathematical ability were able to understand problems, develop strategies, evaluate steps, and draw logical conclusions. Students with medium ability were able to understand problems but remained weak in analysis and evaluation. Meanwhile, students with low ability experienced difficulties in almost all indicators. These findings confirm that mathematical ability is closely related to critical thinking skills. Teachers are expected to implement effective learning strategies to improve students' critical thinking skills in mathematics learning.   Keywords: Critical thinking; mathematical ability; problem solving; probability; high school students