Gender Description on Problem-Solving Skills in Chemistry Learning Using Interactive Multimedia

Abstract

This study aimed to examine the effect of interactive multimedia on problem-solving skills based on gender. The sample was chemistry education students in IKIP Mataram that consisted of 10 males and females’ students each. This study was pre-experimental research with a pretest-posttest one group design. Data collection was obtained by tests and interviews. The test of the problem-solving, in the form of the essay, was divided into three types, namely conceptual, algorithm, and conceptual-algorithm problems. Problem-solving was measured following the stages of Polya's problem-solving, namely understanding the problem, devising a plan, carrying out the plan, and looking back. The interview was conducted to gain more insight into their problem solving skill. Data were analyzed statistically using independent sample t-test and normalized gain scores (N-gain). The results of the analysis of the initial data obtained a significant value of 0.809, which indicated there was no difference between the problem-solving skills of male and female students. Meanwhile, the final data analysis obtained a significant value of 0.034 which means there was a difference between the problem-solving skills of the students. This furthermore showed that the use of interactive multimedia in chemistry learning increased the problem-solving skills of male better than the female. Moreover, male students’ problem-solving skills were higher than the females in all types of problems and at all stages of problem-solving. Due to interactive multimedia, the conceptual understanding and learning motivation of students is enhanced.