Enhancing Students' Critical Thinking Skills through Interactive Learning Strategies in Social Studies Education: A Systematic Literature Review

Abstract

Critical thinking is one of the essential competencies in Social Studies Education in the twenty-first century. This study aims to examine various interactive learning strategies implemented in Social Studies education and analyze their influence on students' critical thinking skills. The study employed a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) approach following the PRISMA 2020 guidelines. Data were collected from peer-reviewed articles published between 2021 and 2026 and indexed in Scopus, Web of Science, ERIC, ScienceDirect, SpringerLink, and Google Scholar. The findings indicate that interactive learning strategies, including Problem-Based Learning (PBL), Project-Based Learning (PjBL), Inquiry-Based Learning, and Cooperative Learning, effectively enhance students' critical thinking skills, active participation, and problem-solving abilities. However, their implementation continues to face several challenges, including teachers' readiness, limited educational resources, and variations in students' learning characteristics. This review provides valuable insights for educators in selecting effective interactive learning strategies to improve the quality of Social Studies education and foster higher-order thinking skills among students. Keywords: critical thinking skills; interactive learning strategies; Social Studies education; systematic literature review; PRISMA 2020.