Improving concept understanding and motivation of learners through Phet simulation word

Abstract

This study was aimed at determining the improvement of concept understanding and motivation of learners through physics education technology (PhET) simulation. Quantitative approach and quasi experimental technic were employed in this research. The populations in the study were four classes of 8th grade students of MTs Insan Qur’ani, while two samples were class VIIIc and class VIIId. The sample was determined by simple random sampling technic where VIIIc was treated as experimental group and taught using PhET while class VIIId was simulated as control group and was taught using a simple lecture method. 15 valid and reliable multiple choice questions were used as instrument to evaluate the concept understanding and motivation. While leaners motivation was measured using 7 questions and was quantitatively analyzed. The test results of concept understanding undergo normality test, homogeneity test and hypothesis evaluation. The data show that the average result for the class of experiment was found to be 9,75% while for the control class was found to be 8,81%. Motivation questionnaire analysis results showed the significant increase in each item of statement, for the experimental class was found to be 85.6 while control class was 64.6, the score indicated that the students in the experimental class were more motivated in learning physics compared to the students of the control class. Based on the research findings, we conclude that PhET implementation in the classroom would enhance both concept understanding and motivations of students