Critical Thinking Skills Analysis of Grade XII Students of SMA Negeri 4 Sungai Penuh on Mutation Material

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the critical thinking skills of 12th-grade students at SMA Negeri 4 Sungai Penuh on the topic of mutation. Critical thinking is one of the essential skills required in 21st-century education. Although learning activities at this school have been directed toward developing critical thinking, their implementation is still not optimal. This descriptive quantitative study used a random sampling technique. Data were collected through a test instrument that was validated and proven reliable. The test was constructed based on Ennis’ (2011) critical thinking indicators, which include six aspects: basic clarification, bases for a decision, inference, advanced clarification, supposition and integration, and strategies and tactics. The results showed that students’ critical thinking skills in all aspects were generally categorized as low. Specifically, the aspects of basic clarification, decision-making, inference, advanced clarification, and strategy were rated low, while supposition and integration were rated very low. Overall, the critical thinking level of 12th-grade students at SMA Negeri 4 Sungai Penuh is in the low category. These findings highlight the need for strengthening instructional strategies that systematically and consistently foster critical thinking. This research is expected to serve as a reference for educators in designing more effective assessments and learning approaches to improve students' critical thinking skills, particularly in biology topics such as mutation.