ANALYSIS OF MATHEMATICAL CRITICAL THINKING ABILITIES OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS - SLR Study

Sep 21, 2026

Uploaded by Maeve

This study analyzes elementary school students’ mathematical critical thinking abilities using a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) grounded in PRISMA guidelines. Twenty articles published between 2015 and 2025 were collected from Google Scholar and Publish or Perish, then examined through identification, selection, and content analysis. Findings show that Problem Based Learning (PBL), Discovery Learning, and Realistic Mathematics Education (RME) are widely applied and effective for strengthening critical thinking. Digital media such as investigation-based e-LKPDs, contextual mathematics comics, and interactive multimedia further support conceptual understanding and analytical skills, while persistent challenges include limited teacher pedagogical competence and low student motivation.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages13

Reading Time33 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Introduction

Problem Background

Learning Needs for Critical Thinking

ANALYSIS OF MATHEMATICAL CRITICAL THINKING ABILITIES OF ELEMENTARY SCHOOL STUDENTS Liyana Sunanto1*, Khoimatun2 , Ahmad Yusron3 , Pipit Nurossobah4 , Nurbaetullah Karnita5 1,2,3,4,5University Darul Ma'arifIndramayu [1](1lyana.sunanto@gmail.com)[lyana.sunanto@gmail.com](1lyana.sunanto@gmail.com) | Abstract
This study aims to analyze elementary school students’ mathematical critical thinking skills through a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) approach based on the PRISMA guidelines. A total of 20 articles published between 2015 and 2025 were obtained from the Google Scholar and Publish or Perish databases and systematically analyzed through identification, selection, and content analysis stages. The review results indicate that learning models such as Problem Based Learning (PBL), Discovery Learning, and Realistic Mathematics Education (RME) are the most widely applied and proven effective in enhancing students’ mathematical critical thinking skills. Furthermore, digital learning media such as investigation-based e-LKPDs, contextual mathematics comics, and interactive multimedia contribute positively to improving conceptual understanding and analytical ability. Several studies also highlight common challenges, including teachers’ limited pedagogical competence and students’ low learning motivation. Overall, this literature synthesis provides a comprehensive overview of trends, effectiveness, and challenges in developing mathematical critical thinking skills among elementary school students in Indonesia. Keywoards: critical thinking; mathematics; primary school | | | | | --- | --- | --- | --- | | Abstrak
Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis kemampuan berpikir kritis matematis siswa sekolah dasarmelalui pendekatan Systematic Literature Review (SLR) yang mengacu pada pedoman PRISMA. Sebanyak 20 artikel terbitan 2015–2025 yang diperoleh dari basis data Google Scholar dan Publish or Perish dianalisis melalui tahapan identifikasi, seleksi, dan analisis isi secara sistematis. Hasil kajian menunjukkan bahwa model pembelajaran Problem Based Learning (PBL), Discovery Learning, dan Realistic Mathematics Education (RME) paling banyak digunakan dan terbukti efektif dalam meningkatkan keterampilan berpikir kritis matematis siswa sekolah dasar. Selain itu, media pembelajaran digital seperti e-LKPD berbasis investigasi, komik matematika kontekstual, dan multimedia interaktifturut berkontribusi terhadap peningkatan pemahaman konsep dan kemampuananalitis siswa. Beberapa penelitian juga menyoroti kendala yang umum terjadi, yaitu keterbatasankompetensi guru dan rendahnya motivasi belajar siswa. Secara keseluruhan, hasil sintesis literatur ini memberikan gambaran komprehensif mengenai tren, efektivitas, serta tantangan dalampengembangan kemampuan berpikir kritis matematis siswa sekolah dasar di Indonesia.
Kata Kunci: Berpikir kritis; matematis; sekolah dasar | | | | | Received
Revised | : 2025-08-11
: 2025-10-27 | Approved
Published | : 2025-10-29
: 2025-10-31 | Jurnal Cakrawala Pendas is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License. Introduction Education is one way to develop and improve the quality of human resources. Through education, each individual can hone their potential, making it easier to find solutions to various problems they face (Nurmalita & Hardjono 2020) . In 21st-century learning, the primary focus is on developing students' critical thinking skills, linking existing knowledge to real-world situations, and mastering information technology, communication, and collaboration skills. According to Sapriya (in Azmy & Yustitia , 2023), the goal of critical thinking is so that someone is able to solve a problem by producing the right decision or answer. The Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS) found that Indonesian students' critical thinking skills are very low. This is in line with the results of the 2022 PISA (Philosophy of

FAQs

What research method is used to analyze students’ mathematical critical thinking abilities?

The study uses a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) following PRISMA guidelines, synthesizing evidence from selected articles.

Which learning models are reported as most commonly used and effective?

Problem Based Learning (PBL), Discovery Learning, and Realistic Mathematics Education (RME) are identified as the most widely applied and effective models.

What challenges are highlighted in developing mathematical critical thinking skills?

Common challenges include limited pedagogical competence among teachers and low learning motivation among students.

Sep 21, 2026

Uploaded by Maeve