Improving problem solving ability and student activity through the application of the PBL model in junior high schools

Students’ low problem-solving skills and lack of activeness, especially in junior high school. One of the learning models that can be used to improve problem solving skills and student activity is the application of the Problem Based Learning (PBL) model. The purpose of this study is to improve the problem-solving ability and activeness of students through the PBL learning model in grade VII students of one of the junior high schools in Sragen Regency, Central Java, Indonesia. The method used in this study is Classroom Action Research (CAR). The data collection techniques used are exams, observations, documentation. Furthermore, for the validity of the data using triangulation techniques. Researchers use exams and observations to obtain data from the same source. The instruments used are cycle exams and observation sheets. Based on the results of data analysis, it was concluded that students’ problem-solving ability and activeness have improved through the PBL learning model. There are four aspects of problem solving, namely: understanding the problem, planning the problem solving, implementing the problem solving plan, re-checking the correctness of the problem solving. There is an aspect of student activity that is measured by student involvement in group activities, class discussions, the ability to ask questions, the ability to answer, and the courage to appear in front of the class. The improvement in this case can be seen from the fulfillment of indicators in each aspect of problem solving and aspects of student activity. The result of this study is an improvement in every aspect of problem solving and every aspect of student activity.