Critical Thinking, Creative Thinking, and Learning Achievement: How They are Related

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the correlation between (1) critical and creative thinking skills; (2) critical thinking skills and learning achievement; (3) creative thinking skills and learning achievement; and (4) critical thinking, creative thinking, and learning achievement. The current study was conducted in April 2019 and employed a correlational research design. The participants of this study consisted of 30 fourth-semester students from the Department of Biology Education of IKIP Mataram, Indonesia, who were currently studying Plant Physiology. Data were collected using a test that contained 19 essay questions on photosynthesis. The critical thinking instrument was composed of five aspects, whereas the creative thinking instrument comprised of eight aspects. Besides, the instrument used to determine learning achievement incorporated six aspects. Each of the elements was represented by one test item. The results of the data analysis indicated correlations between (1) critical and creative thinking skills; (2) critical thinking skills and learning achievement; (3) creative thinking skills and learning achievement; (4) creative thinking, critical thinking, and learning achievement. Since critical and creative thinking skills affect learning achievement, the empowerment of these skills may lead to the enhancement of learning achievement.