Improving critical thinking skills of preservice chemistry teachers through integrated biochemistry course

Many studies have reported various interventions to increase critical thinking, but very few studies have examined the impact of learning in classrooms and laboratories. This study aimed to find a learning pattern (practice to theory or theory to practice) in improving students' critical thinking skills (CTs). Pre and posttest nonequivalent group design was employed in this study. Eighty preservice chemistry teachers divided 40 students in experimental class 1 and 40 in experimental class 2. A test of enzyme-CTs was developed to measure student CTs before and after the intervention. The result showed that integrated biochemistry courses could improve students' CTs. An independent sample t-test was employed, and the result showed a significant difference N-gain students' CTs between experimental classes 1 and 2 (p = 0.018). It indicates that the pattern of developing CTs from practice to theory is better than theory to practice. The research result can be taken into consideration for placing biochemistry theory and biochemistry practicum in the same semester for the chemistry or chemistry education curriculum. Students can find concepts independently in practical activities and develop them in theoretical activities. Further research should analyze the discriminant factors that differentiate between students in experimental classes 1 and 2.