Pengaruh Promosi Kesehatan Menggunakan Word Square Model terhadap Keterampilan Berpikir Kritis pada Remaja di SMP Negeri 6 Palu

Excessive exposure to digital content can trigger brain rot among adolescents and reduce their critical thinking abilities, which is further exacerbated by conventional learning methods. The Word Square Model serves as an innovative learning approach to improve concentration and critical thinking skills among adolescents at SMP Negeri 6 Palu. This study to examine the extent to which the Word Square learning model can improve critical thinking skills among adolescents, particularly in the learning context at SMP Negeri 6 Palu. This study employed a quantitative research design with a true experimental approach using a Pretest–Posttest Control Group Design involving eighth-grade students at SMP Negeri 6 Palu. The population consisted of 302 students, and the sample were 28 respondents divided into two groups which 14 students in the intervention group and 14 students in the control group that selected through random sampling. Data were analyzed using the Paired T-Test, Wilcoxon test, and Mann–Whitney test. Before the implementation of the Word Square Model, the mean score of the control group was higher than the intervention group, with a difference of 2.86 points. After the implementation of the Word Square Model, a significant change occurred, with the intervention group showing a higher mean score than the control group, with a difference of 37,02 points. The Mann–Whitney test showed a p-value of 0.000 (< 0.05). There is a significant impact of health promotion using the Word Square Model on critical thinking skills among adolescents at SMP Negeri 6 Palu. The Word Square Model can be utilized as both a structured and effective teaching method and an evaluation tool to assess student’s learning outcomes at each semester advancement in schools.