Spatial Thinking and Decision-Making Abilities to Learn About Disaster Preparedness

Abstract

Disaster preparedness is one concern in Indonesia for natural disasters have frequently occurred in the country, both geologically and environmentally. Disaster preparedness focuses on activity series which are related to organizational ability, spatial thinking, and decision-making abilities. However, the two latter are still unconcerned. This study aims to improve disaster preparedness through spatial thinking. It is an action research, with the subject of 32 high school students who were studying geography lesson. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistical techniques. The study results are: (1) there was an increase in students’ knowledge about disasters with the classical completeness of 92%, proving the effectiveness of the learning process (2) It is easier for students to understand the concept of disaster through spatial thinking. Spatial thinking includes three components, namely: (a) the spatial concept as the space and direction, such as points, regions, distances, which are vital during disaster; (b) tools of representation, such as maps of an area as representations of the real-world; (c) the process of reasoning for problem-solving through a spatial perspective by using a variety of cognitive skills and knowledge. Therefore, schools need to facilitate teachers to implement spatial thinking-based disaster education in preparing young people to face disasters.