Proposal of problem-based learning program to improve the critical thinking level of first-grade students from Manuel Scorza educational institution

Abstract

One of the objectives of education is to promote and encourage students' capacity for analysis, critical thinking and dissertation in the face of diverse situations in their environment, and thus form an integral and proactive being. In view of this reality, the objective was to analyze the problem-based program as a tool to improve critical thinking in first year high school students of the Manuel Scorza de Piura Educational Institution. The study was framed under the quantitative approach, using the hypothetical-deductive method, with a non-experimental research design, being of the field study type, presenting a descriptive level. The study population and the sample consisted of 114 first-year students at the Manuel Scorza Educational Institution of Piura for the year 2020. The data collection technique used was the survey and direct observation, and the instruments used were the questionnaire and the classification sheet. The processing technique for the data collected was the statistical-inferential analysis. It is concluded that critical thinking and the cognitive skills involved, of the first year high school students of the Manuel Scorza educational institution, are at a process level; this implies the need to study and apply the PBL program to improve the level of critical thinking of the students.