Analysis of High School Students’ STEM Literacy and Problem-Solving Skills in Chemistry

Abstract

In 21st century learning, most students are expected to have good critical thinking and problem-solving skills. According to this goal, the education system should have a learning method that results in improving critical thinking and problem-solving skills among students. The purpose of the study is to analyse the level of STEM literacy and problem solving of students in chemistry materials. This study involved seventy students in grade twelve of senior high school in Sragen Regency, Indonesia. The research design employed a qualitative method. The distribution of questions given in the form of open-ended question type consists of six cases in ten items. Such cases include three components of literacy: science literacy, mathematical literacy, technology-engineering literacy, and problem-solving. The findings show that most students are lacking STEM literacy skills and the ability to solve problems. The ability of STEM literacy and problem-solving is deficient. This research shows that students are unfamiliar with STEM literacy and problem-solving in chemistry. This result is not following the 21st-century learning. Therefore, it is critical to put a particular action in improving STEM literacy skills and problem-solving among students in the Indonesia education system.