Problem-Based Learning Strategies Successfully Cultivate Critical Thinking in Marketing Vocational Students at SMK Negeri 1 Manado

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The implementation of the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) model has proven highly effective in training students' market analysis and authentic problem-solving skills, despite ongoing challenges in classroom discipline.

MANADO – In the face of a rapidly evolving digital industry, vocational education is pressured to produce graduates who are adaptive and capable of critical thinking. A recent study published in May 2026 by a research team from Manado State University (UNIMA) reveals that the application of Problem-Based Learning (PBL) strategies at SMK Negeri 1 Manado has significantly boosted student active engagement and critical thinking skills in marketing vocational subjects. This finding brings fresh momentum to the digitalization of vocational curricula, which frequently remain constrained by conventional theoretical memorization.

Overhauling Theoretical Classes into Business Simulations

Modern marketing education no longer revolves around mere definitions; it demands practical expertise such as analyzing consumer trends, digital promotion strategies, and agile decision-making. Unfortunately, realities on the ground indicate that teaching and learning activities are still dominated by teacher-centered approaches, which severely limit student interaction.

The introduction of the PBL model at SMK Negeri 1 Manado reverses this trajectory by utilizing real-world problems from the business and industrial sectors—such as case studies on product promotion failures or shifts in public shopping behavior—as the primary engine of learning.

Methodology for Deep Case Exploration

To map out the effectiveness of this strategy, Setiawaty Th. Ambat and the research team employed a qualitative method with an in-depth case study design. Classroom interaction patterns were directly observed, complemented by intensive interviews with marketing teachers and students. The researchers also dissected supporting documents, including Kurikulum Merdeka-based lesson plans and student learning evaluations, to acquire comprehensive data. All data were subsequently processed through stages of reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing.

Main Findings: Three Contextual Phases and Classroom Challenges

The study discovered that marketing teachers at SMK Negeri 1 Manado successfully implemented PBL through three tactical components:

·         Preliminary Phase (Apperception): Teachers spark student learning readiness by connecting the material to daily experiences, such as buying and selling transactions on social media, followed by challenging driving questions.

·         Execution Phase (Actual Collaboration): Students are divided into small, heterogeneous groups to discuss solutions to given marketing problems. They gather data from the internet and textbooks, present their analysis results, and engage in question-and-answer sessions across groups, while the teacher acts strictly as a facilitator.

·         Authentic Evaluation Phase: Assessment no longer relies solely on written final examinations. Teachers apply authentic assessments (performance, projects, and portfolios) that simultaneously measure three aspects: knowledge (cognitive), problem-solving skills (psychomotor), and collaborative attitudes (affective).

Despite the positive impacts, the research identified several classroom hurdles, such as fluctuating student concentration and discipline levels, passive students within groups, and limited instructional time compared to standard lecture methods. To overcome these, teachers deployed adaptive strategies including positive reinforcement, persuasive communication, assigning specific roles within groups, and enforcing stricter yet educational classroom rules.

Implications and Recommendations for Vocational Education

Broadly, this research proves that knowledge becomes far more meaningful when students construct their own understanding through social interaction and direct experience. The PBL model is considered highly relevant for narrowing the gap between school theory and the actual needs of the workforce (link and match).

Jerry R.H. Wuisang, one of the investigators, emphasized the vital importance of consistent instructional innovation. The research team recommends that vocational educators continuously upgrade their classroom management and problem-scenario design competencies through various training sessions or workshops. Furthermore, school administrations are expected to provide adequate technological facility support, given that modern marketing research cannot be separated from access to digital information.

Research Team Profiles

Setiawaty Th. Ambat - Universitas Negeri Manado

Shelty D.M. Sumual - Universitas Negeri Manado

Jenny Nancy Kaligis - Universitas Negeri Manado

Jerry R.H. Wuisang - Universitas Negeri Manado

Dominikus Rojoki Manullang - Universitas Negeri Manado

Research Source

Journal Article Title: An Analysis of Teachers' Strategies for Developing Problem-Based Learning in Marketing Vocational Education at SMK Negeri 1 Manado

Journal Name: Journal of Educational Analytics (JEDA)

Volume & Pages: Vol. 5, No. 2 (2026), Pages 353-368

Publication Year: 2026

Official DOI / URL: https://doi.org/10.55927/jeda.v5i2.21

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