Fourth-Grade elementary students critical thinking skills: a preliminary study on magnetic force
A R Ningsih1*, A Suhandi1,2, E Syaodih1,3, B Maftuh1, N Hermita4 and A Samsudin2

1Program Studi Magister Pendidikan Dasar, Universitas
Pendidikan Indonesia, Jl. Dr. Setiabudi No. 229 Bandung 40154, Indonesia
2Departemen Pendidikan Fisika, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Jl. Dr. Setiabudi No. 229 Bandung 40154, Indonesia
3Departemen Pendidikan Guru Anak Usia Dini, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Jl. Dr. Setiabudi No. 229 Bandung 40154, Indonesia
4Prodi Pendidikan Guru Sekolah Dasar, Universitas Riau Jl. HR. Subrantas Km 12,5, Pekanbaru, Indonesia

Abstract

This research purposes to define students critical thinking skills on magnetic forces toward elementary level through experiential learning. The indicators of critical thinking skills which were utilized in this research were the indicators that were precise to the critical thinking skills on magnetism. A descriptive-qualitative design has already been effected to collect data from fourth grade elementary students in one of Bandung Regency (27 participants: 9-10 years old). The instrument which is utilized formed multiple choices with interview process. The consequence shows that every aspect of critical thinking skills have been developed and defined such as: reasoning, arguments analysis, likelihood and uncertainly analysis, and problem-solving and decision-making. To sum up, the experiential learning is able to define the 4th grade elementary students critical thinking skills on magnetic forces.

Keywords: Elementary students, critical thinking skills, and magnetic force

Topic: 3. Physics Education