The problems of integrating multiple representation skills in physics learning

Abstract

This is a preliminary research to find out what problems exist in physics learning related to students’ ability in understanding the concept of physics with multiple representation learning approaches. Problem analysis is carried out in conjunction with physical content analysis and analysis of student characteristics based on data collected from interviews, observation and literature review. Of the 100 high school students in Padang who were interviewed and given a questionnaire, 80% of students did not understand the physical concepts of physics formulas that had been studied, mathematical formulas and equations in physics actually made them not understand the learning material and they hate physics subjects and assume that physics subjects are difficult subjects. Observation results indicate that 78% of teachers have used a multiple representation approach but it is not effective to improve understanding of the concept of physics. Literature review show that concept understanding will be more optimal if the approach in learning is presented in an interactive and interesting form as can be done if using ICT in learning. The results of this study then will be used as material in further research on the development of multiple representation modeling learning models to solve problem in physics learning.