Perception of Novice Learners Using Blended Learning Approach During the Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

This study aims to determine the perceptions of students in physics education department, faculty of teacher training and education - Universitas Syiah Kuala who have just learned (novice learners) using the blended learning approach during the Covid-19 pandemic. This research is quantitative research with data collection using the form of questionnaires and interviews. The questionnaire to measure novice learners’ perceptions used a semantic differential scale. The indicators measured consist of 5 aspects, including: technology, classroom management, instructors, interaction, and instruction. The population of this study was all students of the Physics Education Department, faculty of teacher training and education - Universitas Syiah Kuala. Purposive sampling technique was used to select sample and obtained 250 novice learners of blended learning approach. The data analysis technique used is descriptive statistical analysis through the process of data collection, data reduction, data presentation, and conclusions. The results of this study indicate that the perception of novice learners of the blended learning approach is positive at 87.92%. However, there is still a negative perception on each indicator with a different percentage value. The Indicator of technological at 14.52%, class management at 11.32%, instructors at 10,99%, interaction at 11,70%, and instruction at 12.60%. The results of the research are expected to be of concern for lecturers in the physics education department to find out the obstacles of students in distance learning during the pandemic period and can be used as a reference for improving and developing distance learning using a blended learning approach to make it better.