EFFECTIVENESS OF CASE-BASED INTERACTIVE VIDEOS IN ONLINE DISCUSSION FORUMS TO IMPROVE CRITICAL THINKING SKILLS OF PROSPECTIVE MATHEMATICS TEACHERS

Abstract

This research aims to assess the effectiveness of using case-based interactive videos and online discussion forums in improving the critical thinking skills of prospective mathematics teacher students at Universitas Negeri Medan (Unimed). This research uses a mixed methodology, combining statistical analysis of the pre-test and post-test to measure improvements in critical thinking skills and content analysis of reflective journals and discussion forum transcripts to understand students’ learning experiences. Quantitative results show significant increases in post-test scores, indicating improvements in critical thinking skills, while qualitative results highlight the important role of engagement and collaboration in the learning process. This research concludes that interactive videos and discussion forums can be effective learning tools to enrich the mathematics curriculum at Unimed, with potentially broad implications for teacher education as a whole. Recommendations for educational practice and future research are also presented, including suggestions for the instructional design and technological support necessary to implement this innovative learning method.