Critical Reasoning Skills of Vocational High School Students with Problem Based Learning Model: A Systematic Literature Review
DOI:
10.29303/jppipa.v11i9.12145Published:
2025-09-25Downloads
Abstract
A learning approach that has been extensively researched and proven effective in improving critical thinking skills is problem-based learning, or PBL. This learning model focuses on real-world problems. It encourages students to actively engage in the process of identifying, assessing, and developing collaborative solutions. Critical reasoning skills are essential for students to support independent thinking and problem-solving. The purpose of this study was to determine the critical reasoning skills of vocational high school students using the Problem Based Learning (PBL) model. The method used was a Systematic Literature Review (SLR). The articles used were sourced from Google Scholar and Crossref with the help of the Publish or Perish (PoP) application with a period of 2020-2025. All articles were sorted according to established criteria and had themes relevant to critical reasoning and problem-based learning, then collected a total of 17 articles. The results showed that the application of critical reasoning encouraged students to analyze, evaluate, and draw conclusions based on evidence, while PBL provided a real context for solving problems, developing problem-solving skills, and collaboration. Factors such as learning models, learning motivation, and learning environment influenced the critical reasoning of vocational high school students. These findings provide a deeper understanding of the application of the problem-based learning (PBL) model in improving critical reasoning of vocational high school students.
Keywords:
Critical reasoning Problem based learning Systematic literature review Vocational high schoolReferences
Achmad, W. K. S., & Utami, U. (2023). High-Order Questions Improve Students’ Critical Thinking Skills In Elementary Schools. International Journal of Elementary Education, 7(2), 196–203. https://doi.org/10.23887/ijee.v7i2.61607
Aprilianti, A. R., & Siswandari, S. (2024). Keefektifan Model Problem Based Learning (PBL) untuk Meningkatkan Kemampuan Berpikir Kritis Siswa SMK Akuntansi pada Pembelajaran Komputer Akuntansi. Jurnal Pendidikan Dan Pembelajaran Indonesia (JPPI), 4(3), 1255–1266. https://doi.org/10.53299/jppi.v4i3.733
Ariyanto, S. R., Lestari, I. W. P., Hasanah, S. U., Rahmah, L., & Purwanto, D. V. (2020). Problem Based Learning dan Argumentation Sebagai Solusi dalam Meningkatkan Kemampuan Berpikir Kritis Siswa SMK. Jurnal Kependidikan: Jurnal Hasil Penelitian Dan Kajian Kepustakaan Di Bidang Pendidikan, Pengajaran Dan Pembelajaran, 6(2), 197. https://doi.org/10.33394/jk.v6i2.2522
Ayunda, S. N., Lufri, L., & Alberida, H. (2023). Pengaruh Model Pembelajaran Problem Based Learning (PBL) Berbantuan LKPD terhadap Kemampuan Berpikir Kritis Peserta Didik. Journal on Education, 5(2), 5000–5015. https://doi.org/10.31004/joe.v5i2.1232
Darwin, Rusdin, D., Mukminatien, N., Suryati, N., Laksmi, E. D., & Marzuki. (2024). Critical thinking in the AI era: An exploration of EFL students’ perceptions, benefits, and limitations. Cogent Education, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186x.2023.2290342
Danissih, P. N. W, Ardi, Fadilah, M., & Rahmi, F. O. (2024). Pengaruh Model Problem Based Learning (PBL) Berpendektan Kearifan Lokal Terhadap Keterampilan Berpikir Kritis Peserta Didik Fase E. Jurnal Biogenerasi, 10(1), 152–159. https://doi.org/10.30605/biogenerasi.v10i1.4471
Dwiningsih, K., Sukarmin, S., Lutfi, A., Hidayah, R., Suyono, S., Azizah, U., & Alya, A. (2024). Development of E-Learning Based PBL-STEM Learning Tools on Students’ Science Process Skills and Critical Thinking Ability. Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA, 10(9), 7171–7178. https://doi.org/10.29303/jppipa.v10i9.7106
Fakhri, M. M., Al Ihlas, M., Suwahyu, I., Rahman, A., & Muthmainnah, S. (2022). Pengaruh Problem Based Learning Terhadap Keterampilan Berpikir Kritis Peserta Didik SMK Negeri 2 Makassar. Information Technology Education Journal, 1(1), 104–109. https://doi.org/10.59562/intec.v1i1.224
Fedi, S., Gunsi, A. S., Ramda, A. H., & Gunur, B. (2019). Pengaruh Model Pembelajaran Berbasis Masalah terhadap Kemampuan Berpikir Kritis Siswa. JKPM (Jurnal Kajian Pendidikan Matematika), 4(1), 11. https://doi.org/10.30998/jkpm.v4i1.3025
Fitri, H., Supriyoko, S., & Prihatni, Y. (2021). Pengembangan Instrumen Pengukuran Sikap Bernalar Kritis Pada Siswa SMK Pembaharuan di Purworejo. Teacher in Educational Research, 3(2), 99–110. https://doi.org/10.33292/ter.v3i2.264
Goldberg, P., Schwerter, J., Seidel, T., Müller, K., & Stürmer, K. (2021). How does learners’ behavior attract preservice teachers’ attention during teaching? Teaching and Teacher Education, 97, 103213. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tate.2020.103213
Gunawan, R., Hasan, M., Kasmawati, K., & As, J. (2023). Penerapan Model Problem Based Learning dalam Meningkatkan Kemampuan Berpikir Kritis Peserta Didik. LaGeografia, 22(1), 12. https://doi.org/10.35580/lageografia.v22i1.52195
Hardianty, S., & Hindriana, A. F. (2021). Implemantasi PBL berbasis Moodle Terhadap Kemampuan Berpikir Kritis dan Hasil Belajar Peserta Didik pada Konsep Pencemaran Lingkungan. Edubiologica: Jurnal Penelitian Ilmu Dan Pendidikan Biologi, 9(1), 18–20. https://doi.org/10.25134/edubiologica.v9i1.10235
Hasan, H., & Nindiasari, H. (2023). Efektivitas problem based learning (PBL) untuk meningkatkan kemampuan berpikir kritis siswa di SMK Negeri 2 Pandeglang. NOTASI: Jurnal Pendidikan Matematika, 1(2), 52–58. https://doi.org/10.70115/notasi.v1i2.99
Hastawan, I., Suryandari, K. C., & Ngatman, N. (2023). Penerapan Model Problem Based Learning (PBL) untuk Meningkatkan Kemampuan Berpikir Kritis dan Kreatif. Kalam Cendekia: Jurnal Ilmiah Kependidikan, 11(3). https://doi.org/10.20961/jkc.v11i3.73498
Hugo, A. (2023). Peningkatan Kemampuan Berpikir Kritis Melalui Metode Problem Based Learning Pada Fase E Peserta Didik Kelas X SMK St. Louis Surabaya Tahun Pelajaran 2023/2024. Prosiding Seminar Nasional Pendidikan Dan Agama, 4(1), 125–154. https://doi.org/10.55606/semnaspa.v4i1.358
Jultiram. (2025). Peningkatan Bernalar Kritis Peserta Didik Melalui Pendekatan Problem Based Learning Fase F Kelas XI SMKN 1 Sokan. Prosiding Seminar Nasional Pendidikan Dan Agama, 6(1), 150–162. https://doi.org/10.55606/semnaspa.v6i1.2935
Kartika, I. M., Angga Mahendra, P. R., & Awa, V. (2020). Penerapan Pembelajaran Problem Based Learning untuk Meningkatkan Ketrampilan Berpikir Kritis Siswa Pada Mata Pelajaran PPKn. Jurnal Locus Delicti, 1(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.23887/jld.v1i1.359
Khafah, F., Suprapto, P. K., & Nuryadin, E. (2023). The effect of project-based learning model on students’ critical and creative thinking skills in the ecosystem concept. JPBI (Jurnal Pendidikan Biologi Indonesia), 9(3), 244–255. https://doi.org/10.22219/jpbi.v9i3.27461
Khasanah, D. M. (2023). Upaya Meningkatkan Kemampuan Berpikir Kritis Peserta Didik Pada Mata Pelajaran Produktif Pemasaran Kelas XI Pemasaran 2 SMK Negeri 1 Karanganyar. EDUCATOR : Jurnal Inovasi Tenaga Pendidik Dan Kependidikan, 3(1), 14–19. https://doi.org/10.51878/educator.v3i1.2183
Lashmi, C. M., Yuniarto, Y. J. W., & Prayitno, A. J. (2023). Efektivitas Metode Think-Talk-Write Dalam PAK Terhadap Bernalar Kritis Fase F. Sinar Kasih: Jurnal Pendidikan Agama Dan Filsafat, 1(3), 171–179. https://doi.org/10.55606/sinarkasih.v1i3.185
Louto, F. F., Jamhari, M., & Ramadhan, A. (2025). Problem-Based Learning through Reading, Questioning, and Answering (PBLRQA): A Teaching Module to Improve Critical Thinking and Science Communication Skills in High School Students. Jurnal Penelitian Dan Pengembangan Pendidikan, 9(1), 186–196. https://doi.org/10.23887/jppp.v9i1.89407
Maharani, I., & Putra, A. A. (2023). Hubungan Metode Problem Based Learning Dengan Kemampuan Berpikir Kritis Peserta Didik. Jurnal Pendidikan Islam Muta’allimin, 1(1), 23–35. https://doi.org/10.25299/jpim.2023.vol1(1).14578
Mandagi, F. A. M., Palobaran, M., & Sudirman, S. (2021). Peningkatan Keterampilan Berpikir Kritis Dan Hasil Belajar Melalui Penerapan Model Problem Based Learning. Jurnal Media Elektrik, 19(1), 46. https://doi.org/10.26858/metrik.v19i1.27296
Mardiyanti, H. S. (2020). Penerapan Model Pembelajaran Problem Based Learning Untuk Meningkatkan Kemampuan Berpikir Kritis Siswa Kelas X MIPA-2. Journal of Classroom Action Research, 2(1), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.29303/jcar.v2i1.395
Mutiara, E., Suyanto, S., Laksita, G. D., & Zamzami, Z. (2024). Improving Critical Thinking Skills using Problem Based Learning: Systematic Literature Review. Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA, 10(12), 988–995. https://doi.org/10.29303/jppipa.v10i12.7872
Nicholus, G., Nzabahimana, J., & Muwonge, C. M. (2024). Evaluating video-based PBL approach on performance and critical thinking ability among Ugandan form-2 secondary school students. Cogent Education, 11(1). https://doi.org/10.1080/2331186x.2024.2346040
Ningtias, A. I., Rohimah, S. M., & Indriyani, Y. (2024). Pengaruh model problem-based learning berbantuan media audio visual terhadap kemampuan berpikir kritis peserta didik. Jurnal Pendidik Indonesia, 5(1), 23–32. https://doi.org/10.61291/jpi.v4i2.49
Nuzula, F., & Jatmiko, B. (2023). Pembelajaran Fisika Dengan Model PBL Berbasis STEM Untuk Meningkatkan Keterampilan Berpikir Kritis Peserta Didik SMA. Student Scientific Creativity Journal, 1(5), 311–323. https://doi.org/10.55606/sscj-amik.v1i5.2044
Pebriyani, E. P., & Pahlevi, T. (2020). Pengaruh Model Pembelajaran Problem Based Learning (PBL) Terhadap Kemampuan Berpikir Kritis dan Hasil Belajar Peserta Didik Pada Mata Pelajaran Kearsipan Kelas X OTKP Di SMK Negeri 1 Sooko Mojokerto. Jurnal Pendidikan Administrasi Perkantoran (JPAP), 8(1), 47–55. https://doi.org/10.26740/jpap.v8n1.p47-55
Permatasari, B. W. P., & Muchsini, B. (2024). Pengaruh PBL Berbantuan Quizizz Dalam Pembelajaran PJDM Terhadap Kemampuan Berpikir Kritis Siswa SMK. Jurnal Maneksi (Management Ekonomi Dan Akuntansi), 13(3), 646–657. https://doi.org/10.31959/jm.v13i3.2379
Purnastiti, Y. F. D. (2024). Peningkatan Hasil Belajar dan Bernalar Kritis Kelas X SMAN 1 Pagak Materi Bersikap Kritis dan Bertanggung Jawab terhadap Media Massa melalui Problem Based Learning. Prosiding Seminar Nasional Pendidikan Dan Agama, 5(2), 2392–2406. https://doi.org/10.55606/semnaspa.v5i2.2252
Putri, A. (2025). Penerapan Problem Based Learning sebagai Strategi untuk Meningkatkan Keterampilan Berpikir Kritis Peserta Didik. Jurnal MediaTIK, 22–27. https://doi.org/10.59562/mediatik.vi.6036
Rachmawati, N. Y., & Rosy, B. (2020). Pengaruh Model Pembelajaran Problem Based Learning (PBL) terhadap Kemampuan Berpikir Kritis dan Pemecahan Masalah pada Mata Pelajaran Administrasi Umum Kelas X OTKP di SMK Negeri 10 Surabaya. Jurnal Pendidikan Administrasi Perkantoran (JPAP), 9(2), 246–259. https://doi.org/10.26740/jpap.v9n2.p246-259
Rittmann, H., & Mpofu, N. (2024). Exploring teachers’ self-reported practices for fostering critical thinking skills in ESL multilingual high school settings. Social Sciences & Humanities Open, 10, 101156. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ssaho.2024.101156
Saiz, C., & Rivas, S. F. (2023). Critical Thinking, Formation, and Change. Journal of Intelligence, 11(12), 219. https://doi.org/10.3390/jintelligence11120219
Sari, T. W., & Nurhaini, L. (2024). Pengaruh Model Problem Based Learning Berbantuan Mind Mapping Terhadap Kemampuan Berpikir Kritis Siswa Di SMK. J-KIP (Jurnal Keguruan Dan Ilmu Pendidikan), 5(2). https://doi.org/10.25157/j-kip.v5i2.14622
Setyawan, M., & Koeswanti, H. D. (2021). Pembelajaran Problem based learning Terhadap Berpikir Kritis Peserta Didik Sekolah Dasar. Mimbar PGSD Undiksha, 9(3), 489–496. https://doi.org/10.23887/jjpgsd.v9i3.41099
Sinuhaji, K. B. (2023). Meningkatkan Kemampuan Bernalar Kritis, Dengan PBL Materi Gaya Hidup Sehat Fase F, SMK Negeri 1 Merdeka. Prosiding Seminar Nasional Pendidikan Dan Agama, 4(2), 1381–1397. https://doi.org/10.55606/semnaspa.v4i2.1375
Styaningrum, F., Nuraina, E., & Pramusti, W. C. (2021). Melatih Peserta Didik Dalam Berpikir Kritis Melalui Problem Based Learning pada SMA Negeri 1 Dagangan. D’edukasi: Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat, 1(1), 39. https://doi.org/10.25273/dedukasi.v1i1.9582
Suherman, Prananda, M. R., Proboningrum, D. I., Pratama, E. R., Laksono, P., & Amiruddin. (2020). Improving Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) with Project Based Learning (PjBL) Model Assisted by Geogebra. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1467(1), 012027. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1467/1/012027
Suryani, Y., Melasari, M., Nurjannah, N., Iskandar, I. T., Rokayah, O., & Prasetyo, I. U. (2023). Penerapan Lesson Study Dengan Problem Based Learning Untuk Meningkatkan Kemampuan Berpikir Kritis. Equilibrium: Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan Dan Ekonomi, 20(01), 37–44. https://doi.org/10.25134/equi.v20i01.7012
Suryanti, E. & Festiyed Festiyed. (2023). Development of Student Worksheets based on Problem Based Learning Models with Video-assisted Scientific Approaches to Improve Science Process Skills. Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA, 9(7), 5673–5681. https://doi.org/10.29303/jppipa.v9i7.3672
Syahraini, M., Anwar, M., & Musdalifah, M. (2022). Penerapan Model Problem Based Learning Untuk Meningkatkan Aktivitas dan Kemampuan Berfikir Kritis Peserta Didik. Jurnal Pendidikan Dan Profesi Keguruan, 2(1), 21. https://doi.org/10.59562/progresif.v2i1.29931
Van Leeuwen, A., & Janssen, J. (2019). A systematic review of teacher guidance during collaborative learning in primary and secondary education. Educational Research Review, 27, 71–89. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.edurev.2019.02.001
Wardani, I. S., & Fiorintina, E. (2023). Building Critical Thinking Skills of 21st Century Students through Problem Based Learning Model. JPI (Jurnal Pendidikan Indonesia), 12(3), 461–470. https://doi.org/10.23887/jpiundiksha.v12i3.58789
Yani, N. L. S., Rusdarti, & Oktarina, N. (2024). STEM-Based E-Modules to Improve Students’ Critical Thinking in Economic Learning. Thinking Skills and Creativity Journal, 7(1), 115–121. https://doi.org/10.23887/tscj.v7i1.73518
Zahro, M., & Lutfianasari, U. (2024). Penerapan Model Pembelajaran Problem-Based Learning terhadap Kemampuan Berpikir Kritis dan Aktivitas Belajar Peserta Didik pada Materi Hidrolisis Garam. Jurnal Inovasi Pendidikan Kimia, 18(1), 17–22. https://doi.org/10.15294/jipk.v18i1.45567
Zarmin, L. (2022). Peningkatan Kemampuan Berpikir Kritis Dan Nilai-Nilai Kearifan Lokal Melalui Penerapan Model Problem Based Learning Dalam Pembelajaran Sejarah Siswa Kelas X. 1 Teknik Audio Video SMK Negeri 2 Baubau Semester Ganjil Tahun Pelajaran 2019/2020. SOCIAL : Jurnal Inovasi Pendidikan IPS, 2(2), 63–72. https://doi.org/10.51878/social.v2i2.1346
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Heron, I Nyoman Tika, Ida Bagus Putu Arnyana, I Wayan Redhana

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
Authors who publish with Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA, agree to the following terms:
- Authors retain copyright and grant the journal right of first publication with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License (CC-BY License). This license allows authors to use all articles, data sets, graphics, and appendices in data mining applications, search engines, web sites, blogs, and other platforms by providing an appropriate reference. The journal allows the author(s) to hold the copyright without restrictions and will retain publishing rights without restrictions.
- Authors are able to enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., post it to an institutional repository or publish it in a book), with an acknowledgment of its initial publication in Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA.
- Authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website) prior to and during the submission process, as it can lead to productive exchanges, as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See The Effect of Open Access).






