Innovative Social Science Learning Strategies to Improve Students' Critical Thinking Skills and Social Competence
Keywords:
Innovative strategies, social science learning, critical thinking, social competence, 21st century educationAbstract
Social Studies (IPS) learning plays a strategic role in shaping students' critical thinking skills and social competencies as preparation for facing the challenges of 21st century life. However, IPS learning practices in schools are still often dominated by conventional teacher-centered approaches, which are not optimal for developing students' higher-order thinking skills and social abilities. Recent studies show that the application of innovative learning strategies such as Problem-Based Learning, Project-Based Learning, collaborative learning, and inquiry learning can create more meaningful and contextual learning for students. This study aims to comprehensively analyze how innovative learning strategies in social studies learning contribute to improving students' critical thinking and social competence. The method used is a systematic literature review of national and international scientific articles published between 2020 and 2025. The results of the study show that innovative learning strategies not only improve students' analytical, evaluative, and problem-solving skills but also strengthen social competencies such as cooperation, communication, empathy, and tolerance. These findings emphasize the importance of implementing innovative learning strategies as the main approach in social studies learning to achieve holistic educational goals that are relevant to the needs of the times.
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