Promoting Problem-Solving Thinking Skills through Phenomenon-Based Learning in Social Studies Education in the 21st Century

Abstract

This article aims to propose an approach to promoting students’ problem-solving skills through phenomenon-based learning (PhBL) in social studies within the context of the                              21 st century. The approach seeks to develop learners’ ability to analyze complex situations, make reasoned decisions, and create innovative solutions. Moreover, it emphasizes the integration of knowledge from multiple disciplines, active learning, and reflective thinking. The article further presents guidelines for applying PhBL in social studies instruction, including selecting phenomena relevant to students’ lives and social contexts, designing learning processes that focus on questioning, problem analysis, generating and selecting solutions, as well as presenting and reflecting on outcomes. This approach enables learners to integrate knowledge, analyze complex problems, and systematically design solutions. Consequently, it serves as an effective framework for developing essential 21st-century skills and can be creatively applied in social studies education.