Analysis of Students' Critical Thinking Skills Through Differentiated Learning in the Independent Curriculum at SDN 003 Pasaribu Dolok Sanggul Elementary School

Abstract

This study, entitled "Analysis of Students' Critical Thinking Skills Through Differentiated Learning in the Independent Curriculum at the UPT SDN 003 Pasaribu Dolok Sanggul," aims to analyze students' critical thinking skills in the learning process that applies a differentiated approach in accordance with the principles of the Independent Curriculum. This study also aims to describe how teachers implement differentiated learning based on students' learning readiness, interests, and learning profiles and to identify factors that influence the development of students' critical thinking skills. The method used in this study is a descriptive qualitative method with teachers and students at the UPT SDN 003 Pasaribu Dolok Sanggul as the research subjects. Data collection was conducted through observation of learning activities, interviews with teachers and students, documentation, and analysis of student learning outcomes. The data obtained were then analyzed through data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion drawing to obtain a comprehensive picture of students' critical thinking skills. The results indicate that the implementation of differentiated learning has a positive impact on students' critical thinking skills. Students become more active in expressing their opinions, able to identify and analyze problems, ask relevant questions, and propose solutions based on logical reasoning. Teachers are also able to create a more inclusive learning environment by providing learning experiences tailored to students' needs and characteristics. Despite several obstacles, such as the wide diversity of student abilities and limited learning time, differentiated learning has generally proven effective in supporting the development of students' critical thinking skills. Therefore, it can be concluded that the implementation of differentiated learning in the Independent Curriculum significantly contributes to improving the quality of critical thinking in elementary school students.