Scientific literacy profile of science and non-science students in senior high schools in Malang

Abstract

One of the skills that must be possessed in the 21st century is scientific literacy to help students solve problems using scientific concepts. The purpose of this study was to describe the scientific literacy profile of science and non-science students in senior high schools and the factors that influenced scientific literacy. This was a descriptive research study with qualitative and quantitative approaches. Quantitative data in this study was a test of differences in scientific literacy skills of science and non-science students by using ANOVA. Qualitative data intended in this study was a description of the questionnaire results and interviews of biology and geography teachers, as well as science and non-science students. The profile of scientific literacy was derived from the results of tests of scientific literacy that had been logically and empirically validated. Factors that influenced scientific literacy were derived from questionnaire answers and interviews with biology and geography teachers, as well as science and non-science students. The results showed that the scientific literacy skills of science students were 45.27% (less), and non-science students were 42.38% (less). There was no significant difference in scientific and non-scientific students’ scientific literacy. Factors that influenced scientific literacy were the learning process, students’ reading interest, and student attitudes towards science.