An Investigation of How Visual Picture Economics Textbook Explains the Increasing Phenomena of Reading Literacy and Critical Thinking Skills

Abstract

The low level of reading literacy is still a serious problem considering the low reading literacy of Indonesian students based on PISA results, the average reading literacy score of Indonesia is 371 from the international average of 500 points. In addition, the world of education is also faced with the problem of low critical thinking skills both nationally and internationally. This study aims to: 1) determine the effect of visual picture economics textbook based on problem-based learning on improving reading literacy skills; 2) determine the effect of visual picture economics textbook based on problem-based learning on improving critical thinking skills. This type of research is a pre-experimental design (one group pretest-posttest design). This research uses a sample of 35 students of class XI IPS 4 with a sampling technique that is cluster random sampling. The data obtained from this survey used various techniques, including (1) interviews, (2) observations, (3) documentation, (4) questionnaires, and (5) questions. The data analysis technique in this study used quantitative descriptive analysis techniques and inferential statistical data analysis techniques. The results of data analysis show that: 1) visual picture economics textbook based on problem-based learning affect increasing reading literacy skills; 2) visual picture economics textbook based on problem-based learning affect increasing critical thinking skills.