PENGARUH PENGGUNAAN MODUL PEMBELAJARAN BERBANTUAN LKPD DALAM PEMBELAJARAN BERDIFERENSIASI UNTUK MENINGKATKAN KEMAMPUAN BERPIKIR KRITIS SISWA SMA

Abstract

Critical thinking is an essential skill required in 21st-century learning, particularly in biology education, which emphasizes analytical thinking and problem-solving abilities. However, empirical evidence shows that senior high school students’ critical thinking skills have not yet developed optimally. This condition is largely influenced by conventional learning practices that do not adequately accommodate differences in students’ learning readiness. Therefore, innovative learning strategies that address diverse learning needs are required, one of which is the use of learning modules assisted by Student Worksheets (LKPD) within differentiated instruction. This study aims to examine the effect of using learning modules assisted by LKPD in differentiated learning on senior high school students’ critical thinking ability. The study employed a quantitative approach with a quasi-experimental design. The research subjects were eleventh-grade students of SMA Negeri Pakusari in the 2025/2026 academic year, with class XI-8 as the experimental group and class XI-5 as the control group. The research instruments included pretest and posttest assessments of critical thinking skills based on Ennis’s indicators, as well as observation sheets to measure the implementation of learning activities. Data were analyzed using normality tests, homogeneity tests, and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA). The results revealed that students in the experimental class showed a greater improvement in critical thinking ability compared to those in the control class. The ANCOVA results indicated a significance value of less than 0.05, demonstrating a significant effect of using learning modules assisted by LKPD in differentiated instruction on students’ critical thinking skills. In conclusion, learning modules assisted by LKPD designed according to students’ learning readiness are effective in improving senior high school students’ critical thinking ability, particularly in learning the digestive system topic.