DEVELOPING COMPETENCY-BASED LEARNING THROUGH PROJECT-BASED LEARNING TO ENHANCE CRITICAL THINKING AND PROBLEM-SOLVING SKILLS OF VOCATIONAL STUDENTS
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Abstract
This study aimed to: (1) develop competency-based learning through project-based learning (PBL) to enhance critical thinking and problem-solving skills; (2) examine the learning outcomes of competency-based learning through PBL; and (3) evaluate students’ satisfaction with the implemented learning approach. The sample consisted of 25 first-year higher vocational students (Diploma level) in Electrical and Automation Engineering, enrolled in the second semester of the 2025 academic year, selected through cluster random sampling. The research instruments included competency-based learning lesson plans integrated with project-based learning, a critical thinking test, a problem-solving ability test, and a satisfaction questionnaire regarding the learning activities. Data were analyzed using mean, percentage, standard deviation, and hypothesis testing with dependent samples t-test. The results revealed that: (1) the efficiency of the developed competency-based learning through PBL was 86.32/83.56, which met the established criterion of 70/70; (2) the learning outcomes indicated that (2.1) students’ critical thinking ability after the intervention was significantly higher than before at the .05 level, and (2.2) students’ problem-solving ability after the intervention was significantly higher than before at the .05 level of significance; and (3) students’ satisfaction with the competency-based learning through PBL was at the highest level.
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