Analysis of Student Problem Solving Skills through the Use of Free Diagrams on the Topic of Particle Dynamics
Nur Layly Alfina, Jauhar Rosanah, Mukhammad Ibnu Adam, and Muhammad Reyza Arief Taqwa*

Department of Physics, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences, Universitas
Negeri Malang, Jl. Semarang 5, Malang, 65145, Indonesia
*reyza.arief.fmipa[at]um.ac.id

Abstract

This study aimed to determine the mastery level of free-body diagrams (FBDs), problem-solving skills, and the relationship between FBDs and problem-solving skills. This research was conducted on 24 students of physics at the Universitas Negeri Malang. The design of this research is explanatory sequential. The method used in this research is mixed methods by combining quantitative research and qualitative research sequentially. Quantitative research was conducted by means of a test in the form of five essay questions of particle dynamics, while qualitative research was conducted through interviews with students. The data obtained were analyzed using descriptive statistics and Kendall^s tau-b correlation test. The results showed that the average use of free-body diagrams (FBDs) was 30.27%, the average problem-solving ability was 49.30%, and the use of FBDs had a correlation with students^ problem-solving skills with a correlation coefficient of 0.002. This value indicates a correlation between FBDs and students^ problem-solving skills on the topic of particle dynamics.

Keywords: free-body diagrams (FBDs)- problem solving ability- particle dynamics

Topic: Physics Education