Development of Argumentation Tools Based on the Engineering Design Process to Improve Students’ Argumentation Skills

Abstract

Argumentation skills play a vital role in students’ ability to master the learning process because, by employing these skills, they can explain real-world phenomena scientifically. This research focused on developing an argumentation tool based on the engineering design process (EDP) to improve students’ argumentation skills in science classrooms. This study utilised the research methods outlined by Plomp & Nieveen, which include problem identification, design, and implementation stages. This study, which involved 150 junior high school student participants, was conducted to implement the argumentation tool as a learning material to help students to understand heat transfer information in science learning. The indicators of argumentation skills included claims, evidence, and reasoning. The study results showed that five experts validated the argumentation tool in science learning development as appropriate for implementation as a practical tool in the science learning classroom. Furthermore, students’ argumentation skills improved significantly, mainly related to developing claims and collecting evidence based on the N-gain evaluation.