Developing students’ critical thinking through constructivist approach on Islamic education in high school in Purwokerto City Central Java Indonesia

Abstract

This study aims to describe and analyze the concepts and steps of constructivist approach in developing the students’ critical thinking in Islamic education. Constructivist approach encourages students to articulate ideas, thoughts and solutions. Thus teaching and learning do not only construct meaning and develop mind, but also deepen the meaning through the expression of ideas. Methodological criticism is often directed at practical implementation of teaching and learning Islamic education which is less varied. This phenomenon is caused by the low performance of teaching and learning Islamic Education. Many teachers of Islamic education have not changed the pattern of teaching. They tend to be rigid, poor methodology, and less varied in using teaching strategies that can improve the interest and enthusiasm of learners. Constructivist approach is able to help improve the quality of learning because this approach invites students to become more dominant, more active to ask questions, discuss, seek ideas to solve problems, and dare to express opinions in accordance with the beliefs they practiced in everyday life. From these results, it can be concluded that critical thinking will be created systematically.