Augmented Reality and Student Learning: Analysis of Mental Models of Salt Hydrolysis at SMAN 51 Jakarta, Indonesia

Abstract

This study aimed to ascertain students' mental models while learning about salt hydrolysis through augmented reality (AR). The study comprised 36 participants from Public High School 51 in Jakarta. A descriptive qualitative approach was adopted for this research, employing various data collection methods such as written drawings, interviews, classroom observations, teacher notes, student worksheets, and final tests. In categorizing students' mental models, three main types emerged: scientific, synthetic, and initial mental models. The findings revealed that 7.20% of students fell into the initial mental model category, 53.90% exhibited synthetic mental models, and 38.90% demonstrated scientific mental models. Notably, incorporating AR into salt hydrolysis learning predominantly influenced the development of synthetic mental models. The study's results also indicated that the utilization of AR positively enhanced students' spatial abilities in understanding submicroscopic representations.