Effectiveness of learning materials implementation for spatial thinking ability in geographic information systems (GIS) course

Abstract

Geography education is realized in learning that combines the study of physical and human geography in a spatial context. GIS Learning in universities is directed to be able to equip students in the use of spatial information which must be accompanied by the ability to manage it cognitively. This study aimed to assess the effectiveness of Spatial Thinking Ability learning materials development. The model used in this research and development study was the Dick & Carey model. The field trial was carried out by experimental research using a Quasi Experiment model. The trial design was Post-test Only, Non-Equivalent Control Group Design. The trial was carried out on sixth-semester undergraduate students at Muhammadiyah Surakarta who had taken a GIS course with as many as 41 students. The activity took place in March 2018. In this study, some students were given treatment in spatial thinking ability learning. The result shows a U value of 56 and a W value of 209. When converted to a Z value, the value is -3.943. Sig value or P-Value of 0.000 <0.05.