The Development of Problem-Based Learning Grounded from Cognitive Learning Theory: Improving Students' Creative Thinking Skills

The problem under study is the students’ low creative thinking ability. The objective of the study is developing problem-based learning grounded from cognitive learning theory to improve students’ creative thinking skills, particularly students in social studies. Accordingly, the study employed research and development involving exploratory and quasi-experimental methods, the non-equivalent control group pretes-posttest design. The subject of the research was six schools: four public and two private Junior High Schools. The data collection was in the form of tests, observations, and focus group discussions. Meanwhile, the analysis of data acquisition techniques used quantitative and qualitative approaches (qualitative processing was to measure the effectiveness of the learning process and students’ achievement in creative thinking skills which based on the result of observations). The study obtained a learning model, learning tools such as syllabus, lesson plan (RPP), learning materials, observation sheets and creative thinking skills tests. These things can be used in the subject of social studies, Junior High School. The study revealed that the development of problem-based learning grounded from cognitive learning theory could improve students’ creative thinking skills.