Analysis of critical thinking skill of SMA and SMK students in solving problems on the acid-base concepts

Critical thinking skill is one skill that needs to be mastered by students in order to face challenges in the 21st century. Through the use of critical thinking skill, students can logically identify, analyze, and solve problems to make the right decision. This research aimed to know the critical thinking skill of high school (SMA) and vocational high school (SMK) students in Limboto Gorontalo on the concept of Acid-Base. This research is qualitative descriptive research used to describe students’ critical thinking skill. The research subjects were 218 XI grade students of SMA and SMK in Limboto Gorontalo. The instrument used for data gathering was an essay test that has been validated by 3 experts. The data analysis used descriptive data analysis techniques through percentages. The results showed that the critical thinking skill of SMA and SMK students in Limboto Gorontalo Regency on the concept of Acid-Base were in the range of 49% - 55% which lay in the medium category. Thus, efforts are needed to improve students’ critical thinking skill.