The influence of the map-assisted problem-based learning model and cognitive style on the spatial and critical thinking abilities of junior high school students

Armawati Hidayati (), Rusijono Rusijono (), Fajar Arianto (), Sukma Perdana Prasetya () and Sri Murtini ()

Edelweiss Applied Science and Technology, 2025, vol. 9, issue 9, 1968-1983

Abstract: This study investigates the influence of the map-assisted Problem-Based Learning (PBL) model and cognitive styles on the spatial and critical thinking abilities of junior high school students. A quasi-experimental design with a 2×2 factorial structure was employed, involving 122 eighth-grade students. Participants were divided into two groups based on the learning model (map-assisted PBL and conventional PBL) and two cognitive style categories (Field Independent and Field Dependent). Data collection involved pre- and post-tests assessing spatial and critical thinking skills. The results of Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) indicated that the map-assisted PBL model significantly enhanced both spatial and critical thinking abilities. Cognitive style also had a notable impact on spatial skills, with Field Independent students outperforming their Field Dependent counterparts. Additionally, a significant interaction between the learning model and cognitive style was observed concerning spatial abilities, although no significant effect was found for critical thinking. These findings underscore the importance of integrating cognitive characteristics into instructional design and highlight the effectiveness of map-assisted PBL in fostering spatial and critical thinking skills within social studies education. Practical implications suggest that educators should tailor learning strategies to students' cognitive styles to improve learning outcomes.

Keywords: Cognitive style; Critical thinking; Interdisciplinary approach; Maps; Problem-based learning; Social studies. Spatial ability. (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2025
References: Add references at CitEc
Citations:

Downloads: (external link)
https://learning-gate.com/index.php/2576-8484/article/view/10281/3344 (application/pdf)

Related works:
This item may be available elsewhere in EconPapers: Search for items with the same title.

Export reference: BibTeX RIS (EndNote, ProCite, RefMan) HTML/Text

Persistent link: https://EconPapers.repec.org/RePEc:ajp:edwast:v:9:y:2025:i:9:p:1968-1983:id:10281

Access Statistics for this article

More articles in Edelweiss Applied Science and Technology from Learning Gate
Bibliographic data for series maintained by Melissa Fernandes ().