Enhancing Critical Thinking Through Community Immersion: Evidence from Grade 8 Araling Panlipunan Students

Abstract

Critical thinking is recognized as one of the essential competencies learners must develop to address real-world challenges. This study investigated the effectiveness of community immersion as an instructional approach in enhancing the critical thinking skills of Grade 8 students in Araling Panlipunan at Mountain Province General Comprehensive High School during School Year 2023–2024. Using a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest control group design, two Grade 8 classes participated. The experimental group engaged in structured community immersion activities integrated into classroom instruction, while the control group received conventional classroom-based instruction. Data were collected through written and oral assessments, rubrics, classroom observations, interviews, and focus group discussions. Statistical analysis using mean, standard deviation, t-tests, ANCOVA, and effect sizes revealed significant improvements in the experimental group. Qualitative themes highlighted authentic connection, confidence in expression, and problem-solving mindset. Findings demonstrate that community immersion provides authentic learning experiences that strengthen students’ analytical, reflective, and problem-solving abilities. Integrating community immersion into Social Studies instruction is an effective strategy for promoting critical thinking and meaningful learning among secondary school students.