The effect of problem based learning method on students 'creative thinking and problem solving skills and academic achievements in social studies

This study was carried out in the social courses of secondary school. The effects of Problem-based Learning (PBL) method and the traditional teaching methods on students' academic achievement in bringing solutions to the global issues, on their creativity, and on their problem solving skills, were investigated. The research was designed in experimental design model with pre-test and post-test control group. In the research, Problem-based learning (PBL) method was used in the treatment group and the traditional teaching methods were used in in the control group. As data collecting instruments, global problems achievement test, problem solving inventory, and creativity scale were used. The developed success test and other measurement instruments were applied to the 7 grade students who are taking social studies in TOKİ Şehit Jandarma Komando Er Adnan Yaslı Secondary School in the district of Eyyubiye in Şanlıurfa province. In the comparison concerning the hypothesis tests, paired samples t-test which is a parametric test was used. At the end of the research, it was concluded that the Problem-based learning (PBL) method increased students' academic success in bringing solutions to global problems more than the traditional teaching methods and Problem-based learning (PBL) method was observed more effective than the traditional teaching methods in increasing students' problem solving skills. At the end of the research, it was observed that both problem solving and traditional teaching methods increased students' creativity skills. Based on the findings of the research Problem-based learning (PBL) method is recommended to be used in all courses which include global issues. In addition, students said that they had adopted this method and for the first time they could discuss freely and the subjects could be more long lasting. Therefore it is believed that the use of Problem-based learning (PBL) method in other courses that are involving global problems will play an effective and permanent role in the ubringing of students who have gained responsibility awareness and offer creative solutions.