American Journal of Educational Research, 2017, Vol. 5, No. 6, 639-644 Available online at http://pubs.sciepub.com/education/5/6/8 ©Science and Education Publishing DOI:10.12691/education-5-6-8 Using Problem Based Learning Model Assisted Visual Media to Improve High Conceptual Knowledge and Critical Thinking Ability in Senior High School Yuna Sutria * , Sahyar, Derlina Post Graduate, State University of Medan, Medan, Indonesia *Corresponding author: yuna.sutria@yahoo.co.id Abstract This research aims to ; Analyzing the gain of high conceptual knowledge and critical thinking ability of students by using problem based learning model and conventional learning, Analyzes whether the gain of high conceptual knowledge and critical thinking ability of students that are taught by model learning problem based learning is better than students who are taught by conventional learning. This research is a quasi experiment research with two class pretest-posttest design. The research population is all students of class X MAN 3 Medan semester II academic year 2016/2017. The population for this research are 11 classes. The sample in this research was taken by two random classes consist of 80 students. Class X MIA-3 as an experiment class taught by problem based learning model assisted visual media consist of 40 students, Class X MIA-4 as a control class taught by conventional learning consist of 40 students. The instrument of this research used essay test for high conceptual knowledge and critical thinking ability that has been validated. The resulting data were analyzed using statistic t test. The results showed that: The gain average in the high conceptual knowledge of students taught by the problem based learning model assisted visual media is in high category and using conventional learning is in medium category. The gain average of critical thinking ability students using model problem based learning model assisted visual media is in the high category and using conventional learning is in medium category. The gain average of high conceptual knowledge of students taught by problem based learning model assisted visual media is better than taught by conventional learning. The gain average of critical thinking ability of students taught by problem based learning model assisted visual media is better than taught by conventional learning. Keywords: problem based learning model, high conceptual knowledge, critical thinking ability, visual media Cite This Article: Yuna Sutria, Sahyar, and Derlina, “Using Problem Based Learning Model Assisted Visual Media to Improve High Conceptual Knowledge and Critical Thinking Ability in Senior High School.” American Journal of Educational Research, vol. 5, no. 6 (2017): 639-644. doi: 10.12691/education-5-6-8. 1. Introduction Education in Indonesia has always undergone a refinement that ultimately results in a quality product or educational outcome. Various efforts have been made in order to improve the quality and quality of existing education, So as to create the next generation of a reliable nation capable of facing various life challenges. These improvements and improvements include curriculum improvements in the education system, or something directly related to the practice of learning. The 2013 curriculum requires students to more actively explore their abilities and be able to solve problems that level of thinking at a high level according to Bloom's taxonomy. High-level thinking skills by Anderson [1] consists of analysis, evaluation and creation. One of the dimensions of knowledge in the cognitive process is conceptual knowledge. In addition the 2013 curriculum also invites students to have high-level thinking skills one of them is the ability to think critically. Based on the results of the survey, the learning so far has not trained students' high-order thinking skills, so that achievement is only at low cognitive level. To solve the learning problem Efforts should be made, among others, in the form of improved learning strategies, that is learning model expected to improve the thinking skills of high levels of high conceptual knowledge and critical thinking of students so as to achieve maximum results. The critically thinking ability is an activity of thinking done by operating the intellectual potential to analyze, make judgments and make decisions appropriately and implement them correctly [11]. According to Rosyada [13], critical thinking is the ability of students to collect various information and then make an evaluative conclusion from various informations. Critical thinking ability is very important to improve students’ learning outcomes. According to Ennis [6] critical thinking indicators include providing simple explanations, building basic skills, concluding, explaining further and setting strategies and tactics. Less active learning involving students leads to less balanced students' cognitive abilities. Most of the students