The Effect of Problem Based Learning (PBL)Assisted by PhET Applications on Physics Problem Solving Skill of Students
Inton Dolly Panjaitan1, Nurdin Bukit 2, Mariati P. Simanjuntak3

1Departement of Physics Education, Postgraduate State University of Medan, Medan, Indonesia.
2-3 Postgraduate State University of Medan, Medan, Indonesia.

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the effect of problem-based learning model assisted by PhET application on students^ skill to solve physics problems. The place where the research was carried out was SMA Negeri 7 Medan in class X. The type of research was quasi-experimental. The design used is a two group pretest-posttest design. The population tested was class X science students. The sample consisted of 2 randomly selected groups, class X IPA 6 as the experimental group and class X IPA 5 as the control group. For the experimental group, the learning process uses a problem based learning model assisted by the PhET application, while the control class uses a conventional learning model. The data collection instrument used an essay test. The hypothesis was tested by t test using SPSS 16.0 software program and N-gain test. The average posttest result in the experimental group (73.9) was higher than the control group (54.7) with t-test obtained tcount > ttable.Problem solving skill of students in the experimental group were significantly higher than the control group. The result of N-gain in the experimental group was 0.61 with a good category. It can be concluded that the problem-based learning model is effective in improving students^ problem-solving skill in physics.

Keywords: problem based learning, PhET, problem solving skills

Topic: Education and Research Global Issue