A Study of Learning Achievement on Law and Politics for Life Learning Unit and Critical Thinking Ability of Grade 8 Students Using Problem Based Learning with Concept Mapping

Abstract

     This research was aimed to 1) compare students’ learning achievement in Law and Politics for Life Learning Unit and critical thinking ability using problem based learning with concept mapping of grade 8 students before and after learning; and 2) compare learning achievement with the 70 percent criterion. The sample group for this research was 50 students of grade 8 in the second academic year of 2018 at Sura Nariwitthaya School. The sample were selected by using a cluster random sampling. The research instruments consistedof 3 lesson plans with problem based learning with concept mapping, achievement test on law and politics for life learning unit, and critical thinking ability test. The percentage, mean, standard deviation of items and independent t-test were used to analyze the data.
     The research findings showed that:1) students’ learning achievement and critical thinking ability of grade 8 students after using problem based learning with concept mapping was higher than before at .05 level, and 2) after the lessons, learning achievement and critical thinking ability of grade 8 students were significantly higher than 70% criterion at the .05 level.