Abstrak
Abstract This research was motivated by the low critical thinking skills of eighth-grade students in Fiqh subject at Pondok Pesantren Ashhabul Yamin Lasi Tuo, evidenced by only 30% of 92 students obtaining scores above the minimum completeness criteria of 75. This study aimed to determine whether there are significant differences in students' critical thinking skills between those using Think Pair Share model and Inquiry Based Learning model. The research employed a quantitative approach with quasi-experimental design and 2x2 factorial design involving 66 students divided into two groups. Critical thinking skills data were collected through two-tier multiple choice tests and analyzed using t-tests and ANOVA. The results showed significant differences in critical thinking skills for high initial ability students (Sig. = 0.021), where Inquiry Based Learning model (81.11) outperformed Think Pair Share model (72.41) with a difference of 8.70 points. For low initial ability students, significant differences were also found (Sig. = 0.039), with Inquiry Based Learning (67.41) superior to Think Pair Share (59.44) by 7.97 points. Overall, Inquiry Based Learning model (68.69) was more effective than Think Pair Share (61.52) with a difference of 7.17 points (Sig. = 0.009). These results indicate that Inquiry Based Learning model is more effective in enhancing students' critical thinking skills in Fiqh learning for both high and low initial ability students.