IMPLEMENTASI MODEL PEMBELAJARAN INKUIRI DALAM MENINGKATKAN KEMAMPUAN BERPIKIR KRITIS DI RA WAHDATUT TULAB BLORA

Abstract

Early childhood education is undergoing significant transformation through the implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum, which emphasizes the development of 21st-century skills, particularly critical thinking. However, learning activities in Raudhatul Athfal (RA) are still predominantly teacher-centered, limiting children’s activeness and creativity. This study aimed to describe the implementation of the inquiry learning model in improving early childhood critical thinking skills at RA Wahdatut Tulab Blora. The study employed a descriptive qualitative method with a phenomenological approach. The participants were 25 children in Group B. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation during the “Fruit Plants” learning theme through a fruit salad-making activity. The findings revealed that the inquiry stages, including orientation, problem formulation, hypothesis development, data collection, hypothesis testing, and conclusion drawing, were able to enhance children’s critical thinking skills, such as questioning, analyzing, and problem-solving during the learning process.