Penerapan Ice Breaking Berbasis Permainan Otak Untuk Meningkatkan Kemampuan Berpikir Kritis dan Logis Pada Siswa SMP Sekolah Islam Al-fahd

Abstract

Education in the 21st century emphasizes higher-order thinking skills, especially critical and logical thinking, as essential competencies for problem-solving and global competitiveness. However, many junior high school students still face difficulties in developing these skills due to low engagement, lack of motivation, and conventional learning methods. This study examines the effectiveness of ice breaking activities using brain games in enhancing students’ critical and logical thinking at SMP Sekolah Islam Al-Fahd. Using a descriptive qualitative case study, data were collected through observation, pre-test and post-test, and brief interviews with students and teachers. The results show that brain game-based ice breaking increases student motivation, focus, and active participation in learning. Logic puzzles, brain teasers, and similar games stimulated analytical reasoning, rational decision-making, and collaboration, aligning with social constructivist principles. Thus, integrating brain game-based ice breaking can serve as an innovative pedagogical strategy to foster both engagement and 21st-century cognitive skills among junior high school students.