Profile of senior high school students’ misconception in physics using need-based analysis

Abstract

This study obtained the current situation of physics teaching, learning, and assessment at the senior high school in Surakarta, Indonesia based on various skills in 21st century. A need-based analysis was conducted to explore students’ current situation that lead to misconception in understanding concept of physics as learning objectives. Through random sampling, students’ questionnaires and teachers questionnaires to over 120 students and 12 teachers were held respectively. The implications showed that generic science skill and interpersonal skills had influenced students’ understanding of physics as the two affecting factors could be the reasons for misconception. From the questionnaires result, it showed that teachers and students of senior high school in Surakarta need a proper diagnostic test to investigate and map students’ misconception in physics classroom especially in difficult learning object such as kinetic gas theory. The four-tier diagnostic test with five possible answers was developed based on the result of need-based analysis and factors affecting students’ misconception which were students’ generic science and interpersonal skills.