Critical Thinking Abilities: Is a Wordwall-based Team Games Tournament (TGT) Learning Model Necessary?

Abstract

This study aims to identify teachers' views on the need to implement cooperative learning of the TGT type combined with Wordwall digital media. in supporting the development of critical thinking skills of grade 1 elementary school students. The background of this research is based on the low critical thinking skills of students influenced by conventional and teacher-centered learning practices. Studies on the integration of the TGT cooperative learning model with Wordwall media in early elementary school grades. The research method used a qualitative descriptive approach with the research subjects being 20 first-grade elementary school teachers in the Padalarang District, West Bandung Regency, who were selected through a purposive sampling technique. The data collection method used a survey with an interview guide instrument, then the results were analyzed qualitatively. The results showed that most teachers viewed the implementation of the TGT cooperative learning model assisted by Wordwall as a relevant need in the learning process to support the development of critical thinking skills of early grade students. The novelty of this research lies in the focus of the study which emphasizes first-grade elementary school students who are still in the early literacy stage, as well as the integration between the TGT cooperative learning model with Wordwall-based digital learning media in Indonesian language learning. The findings of this study indicate the importance of developing innovative learning tools that are able to support interactive learning and encourage the development of students' critical thinking skills from the early stages of elementary education.