Analysis of Critical Thinking Skills in Static Fluid Material with a Contextual Approach for High School Students

Authors

  • Putri Maharani Pertiwi Universitas Negeri Surabaya
  • Oka Saputra Universitas Negeri Surabaya
  • Imam Sya’roni National Taiwan University of Technology and Science
  • Hanandita Veda Saphira University of Wollongong

Keywords:

Critical Thinking Skills, Contextual, Static Fluid, Physics Learning

Abstract

This research intends to examine critical reasoning abilities in stationary liquid substances within high school education. To achieve this goal, this study used a contextual test that incorporates real events into the scientific reasoning process. Using a quantitative descriptive approach, this study included 72 students in grade XII of SMA Negeri 9 Surabaya. To support the analysis, this research gathered information from an assessment of critical thinking skills that is founded on the five Ennis indicators. In addition, to support the analysis, interviews with teachers and a non-test questionnaire were used. The results indicated that the students' critical thinking skills were still considered to be at a low level; indicator achievement ranged between 50.28% and 55.28%, with the strategy and tactics indicator being the highest and the inference indicator the lowest. The results indicated that students were not yet accustomed to interpreting data, evaluating concepts, and drawing scientific conclusions in the context of static fluids. By using the five Ennis indicators applied to static fluid material and presented in a real-world context, this study is updated by analyzing each component of critical thinking skills. This differs from previous research that indicated that students were not yet accustomed to doing this. The research findings also have a significant impact on physics learning, particularly in terms of the need to develop contextually based interactive learning media that enhance thinking skills. In order to more effectively improve students' skills in critical thinking, it is suggested that this study be broadened by developing and evaluating additional educational materials.

References

Abidin, A. Z., Istiyono, E., Fadilah, N., & Dwandaru, W. S. B. (2020). A computerized adaptive test for measuring the physics critical thinking skills. International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education, 8(3), 376–383. https://doi.org/10.11591/ijere.v8i3.19642

Asrizal, Nazifah, N., Effendi, H., & Helma. (2024). STEM-Smart Physics E-Module to Promote Conceptual Understanding and 4C Skills of Students. International Journal of Information and Education Technology, 14(2), 279–286. https://doi.org/10.18178/ijiet.2024.14.2.2049

Barta, A., Marzano, G., & Cuomo, M. T. (2022). The development of students’ critical thinking abilities and the effectiveness of concept-mapping vs traditional teaching: A meta-analysis. Thinking Skills and Creativity, 44, 101024. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsc.2022.101024

Charli, M. S., Eshete, S. K., & Debela, K. L. (2022). Learning How Research Design Methods Work: A Review of Creswell’s Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative and Mixed Methods Approaches. The Qualitative Report. https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2022.5901

Chen, X., Kuo, H.-C., & Brookes, D. T. (2021). Exploring and supporting student reasoning in physics by leveraging dual-process theories of reasoning and decision making. Physical Review Physics Education Research, 17(1), 010128. https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevPhysEducRes.17.010128

Darmaji, D., Astalini, A., Kurniawan, D. A., & Putri, W. A. (2022). Science Process Skills and Critical Thinking Ability Assessed from Students’ Gender. Jurnal Pendidikan Fisika Indonesia, 18(1), 83–95. https://doi.org/10.15294/jpfi.v18i1.30534

Dessie, E., Gebeyehu, D., & Eshetu, F. (2024). Motivation, conceptual understanding, and critical thinking as correlates and predictors of metacognition in introductory physics. Cogent Education, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186X.2023.2290114

Dewi, P. S., & Kuswanto, H. (2023). THE EFFECTIVENESS OF THE USE OF AUGMENTED REALITY-ASSISTED PHYSICS E-MODULE BASED ON PEDICAB TO IMPROVE MATHEMATICAL COMMUNICATION AND CRITICAL THINKING ABILITIES. Journal of Technology and Science Education, 13(1), 53–64. https://doi.org/10.3926/jotse.1714

Faridi, H., Tuli, N., Mantri, A., Singh, G., & Gargrish, S. (2021). A framework utilizing augmented reality to improve critical thinking ability and learning gain of the students in Physics. Computer Applications in Engineering Education, 29(1), 258–273. https://doi.org/10.1002/cae.22342

Geschwind, G., et al. (2024). Using a research-based assessment instrument to explore undergraduate students’ proficiencies around measurement uncertainty in physics lab contexts. Physical Review Physics Education Research, 20(2), 020105.

https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevPhysEducRes.20.020105

Haris, A., & Mahir. (2025). The Influence of Problem-Solving-Based Physics Learning Models on Students’ Critical Thinking Ability and Learning Independence on the Achievement of SDG 4. International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research, 24(8), 1076–1091. https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.24.8.48

Hidayatullah, M. S., Zawawi, I., Khikmiyah, F., & Gresik, U. M. (2019). KETERAMPILAN BERPIKIR KRITIS PESERTA DIDIK DALAM MENYELESAIKAN MASALAH MATEMATIKA MELALUI MODEL PEMBELAJARAN PROBLEM BASED LEARNING DI KELAS VII SMP NEGERI 1 GLAGAH LAMONGAN (Muhammad Syarif Hidayatullah & Irwani Zawawi, Trans).

Isnaeni, W., Sujatmiko, Y. A., & Pujiasih, P. (2021). Analysis of the role of Android-based learning media in learning critical thinking skills and scientific attitude. Jurnal Pendidikan Ilmu-Ilmu, 10(4). https://doi.org/10.15294/jpii.v10i4.27597

Leshko, D., Yablon, L., & Hasiuk, I. (2025). The principle of historicism and ways of its implementation in a physics course. Journal of Vasyl Stefanyk Precarpathian National University, 12(1), 96–104. https://doi.org/10.15330/jpnu.12.1.96-104

Mafarja, N., Zulnaidi, H., & Mohd. Fadzil, H. (2022a). Using Reciprocal Teaching Strategy to Improve Physics Students’ Critical Thinking Ability. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 18(1). https://doi.org/10.29333/EJMSTE/11506

Mafarja, N., Zulnaidi, H., & Mohd. Fadzil, H. (2022b). Using Reciprocal Teaching Strategy to Improve Physics Students’ Critical Thinking Ability. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 18(1). https://doi.org/10.29333/EJMSTE/11506

Makhrus, M., Rahayu, S., Santoso, D., & Annam, S. (2025). Effect of E-Module Based on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with Conceptual Change Model-Cognitive Conflict Approach (CCM-CCA) Integrated with Local Wisdom on Students’ Critical Thinking Skills. Educational Process: International Journal, 17. https://doi.org/10.22521/edupij.2025.17.399

Mansyur, J., Werdhinana, I. K., Darsikin, D., Kaharu, S. N., & Tadeko, N. (2022). Students’ mental models about the suspending objects in static fluid. Journal of Turkish Science Education, 19(1), 257–287. https://doi.org/10.72681/tused.2022.121

Mardiana, N., Maulina, B., Mardiani, N., Sabar, S., & Collantes, L. M. (2025). ENHANCING CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS THROUGH ANDROID-ASSISTED VIRTUAL PHYSICS LEARNING: A FOCUS ON HOTS DEVELOPMENT. Jurnal Ilmiah Ilmu Terapan Universitas Jambi, 9(2), 513–526. https://doi.org/10.22437/jiituj.v9i2.34373

Marisda, D. H., Nurlina, N., Ma’ruf, M., Rahmawati, R., Idamayanti, R., & Akbar, M. (2024). Challenges in secondary school education: profile of physics students’ critical thinking skills. Journal of Education and Learning, 18(3), 1099–1106. https://doi.org/10.11591/edulearn.v18i3.21666

Misbah, M., Hamidah, I., Sriyati, S., Samsudin, A., Farahwahidah, N., & Rahman, A. (2024). DEVELOPMENT OF FLUID PHYSICS E-MODULE BASED ON ARGUMENTATION-DRIVEN INQUIRY LABORATORY TO DEVELOP CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS AND PROBLEM-SOLVING ABILITIES IN PROSPECTIVE PHYSICS TEACHERS. In Journal of Engineering Science and Technology Special Issue on (Vol. 19, Issue 6).

Rehman, N., Huang, X., Mahmood, A., AlGerafi, M. A. M., & Javed, S. (2024). Project-based learning as a catalyst for 21st-Century skills and student engagement in the math classroom. Heliyon, 10(23). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2024.e39988

Rizki, I. A., Mirsa, F. R., Islamiyah, A. N., Saputri, A. D., Ramadani, R., & Habibbulloh, M. (2025). Ethnoscience-enhanced physics virtual simulation and augmented reality with inquiry learning: Impact on students’ creativity and motivation. Thinking Skills and Creativity, 57. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsc.2025.101846

Rizki, I. A., Suprapto, N., Saphira, H. V., Alfarizy, Y., Ramadani, R., Saputri, A. D., & Suryani, D. (2024). Cooperative model, digital game, and augmented reality-based learning to enhance students’ critical thinking skills and learning motivation. Journal of Pedagogical Research, 8(1), 339–355. https://doi.org/10.33902/JPR.202423825

Rohman, M. H., Marwoto, P., Nugroho, S. E., & Supriyadi, S. (2024). Effectiveness of Ethnoecological-STEM Project-Based Learning Model to Improve Critical Thinking Skills, Creativity, and Science Concept Mastery. International Journal of Cognitive Research in Science, Engineering and Education, 12(3), 521–534. https://doi.org/10.23947/2334-8496-2024-12-3-521-534

SAREGAR, A., LATIFAH, S., HUDHA, M. N., SUSANTI, F., & SUSILOWATI, N. E. (2020). Stem-inquiry brainstorming: Critical and creative thinking skills in static fluid material. Periodico Tche Quimica, 17(72), 491–505. https://doi.org/10.52571/ptq.v17.n72.2020.506_periodico72_pgs_491_505.pdf

Sebastian, R., & Kuswanto, H. (2025). The effectiveness of a physics e-book on rotational dynamics of a traditional top game assisted by augmented reality to improve students’ critical thinking skills and visual representations. Revista Mexicana de Fisica E, 22(2). https://doi.org/10.31349/RevMexFisE.22.020205

Setiana, D. S., Purwoko, R. Y., & Sugiman. (2021). The application of mathematics learning model to stimulate mathematical critical thinking skills of senior high school students. European Journal of Educational Research, 10(1), 509–523. https://doi.org/10.12973/EU-JER.10.1.509

Sujanem, R., & Putu Suwindra, I. N. (2023). PROBLEM-BASED INTERACTIVE PHYSICS E-MODULE IN PHYSICS LEARNING THROUGH BLENDED PBL TO ENHANCE STUDENTS’ CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS. Jurnal Pendidikan IPA Indonesia, 12(1), 135–145. https://doi.org/10.15294/jpii.v12i1.39971

Suprapto, N., Rizki, I. A., & Cheng, T. H. (2024). Profile of Students’ Physics Critical Thinking Skills and Prospect Analysis of Project-Oriented Problem-Based Learning Model. Journal of Educational and Social Research, 14(3), 134–149. https://doi.org/10.72941/jesr-2024-0062

Susetyarini, E., & Fauzi, A. (2020). Trend of critical thinking skill researches in biology education journals across Indonesia: From research design to data analysis. International Journal of Instruction, 13(1), 535–550. https://doi.org/10.29333/iji.2020.13135a

Taufiq, M. (2020). THE EFFECT OF BLENDED LEARNING PROBLEM-BASED INSTRUCTION MODEL ON STUDENTS’ CRITICAL THINKING ABILITY IN THERMODYNAMIC COURSE. JPII, 9(3), 430–438. https://doi.org/10.15294/jpii.v9i3

Tawfik, M., Jiménez, C., Sancristobal, E., Martín, S., & Castro, M. (2023). Enhancing critical thinking, metacognition, and conceptual understanding in introductory physics: The role of inquiry-based remote laboratories. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 19(6), em2321. https://doi.org/10.29333/ejmste/13273

Tereshchuk, S., Sharov, S., Tereshchuk, A., Kolmakova, V., & Sharova, T. (2023). Critical thinking and hypothetic-deductive scheme for studying the elements of quantum theory. International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education, 12(3), 1497–1506. https://doi.org/10.11591/ijere.v12i3.25249

Walsh, C., Lewandowski, H. J., & Holmes, N. G. (2022a). Skills-focused lab instruction improves critical thinking skills and experimentation views for all students. Physical Review Physics Education Research, 18(1). https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevPhysEducRes.18.010128

Wibowo, F. C. (2023). EFFECTS OF AUGMENTED REALITY INTEGRATION (ARI) BASED MODEL PHYSICS INDEPENDENT LEARNING (MPIL) FOR FACILITATING 21ST-CENTURY SKILLS (21-CS). Journal of Technology and Science Education, 13(1), 178–192. https://doi.org/10.3926/jotse.1800

Downloads

Published

2026-10-30

How to Cite

Putri Maharani Pertiwi, Oka Saputra, Imam Sya’roni, & Hanandita Veda Saphira. (2026). Analysis of Critical Thinking Skills in Static Fluid Material with a Contextual Approach for High School Students. Jurnal Ilmiah Multidisiplin Indonesia (JIM-ID), 5(10), 2613–2626. Retrieved from https://ejournal.seaninstitute.or.id/index.php/esaprom/article/view/8792