Fostering Analytical Thinking through Constructivist and Case-Based Learning: A Study of Vocational Students

Abstract

Analytical thinking is a critical skill that facilitates logical and systematic problem-solving and decision-making. Moreover, it serves as a foundational pillar for effective learning and the advancement of skills across diverse academic disciplines. In other words, a lack of analytical thinking can significantly hinder students’ learning outcomes across academic subjects as well as their ability to make informed decisions in real-life contexts. Therefore, this action research study aimed at developing analytical thinking skills through constructivist learning combined with case studies among second-year Vocational Certificate (Vocational) students, with a goal of achieving a minimum passing rate of 70 percent. The study was conducted through two cycles of action research. Data collecting bote quantiative and qualitative by using the 4 multiple-choice of analytical thinking test, behavior observation form, and interview. The research findings showed that all of participant achieved analytical thinking skills meeting the 70 percent criteria set when complete both cycle. In the first action cycle, 5 students (55.56 %) passed the criteria, with the mean score of 20.77 (69.23 %) points. In the second action cycle, 9 students (100.00 %) passed the criteria, with an average score of 24.56(81.85 %). Based on observations and interviews, it was found that the use of case studies enabled students to better understand concrete and clearly defined situations, analyze relationships between different scenarios more effectively, and recognize patterns that could be applied to various contexts. This approach significantly contributed to the effective development of their analytical thinking skills.