Effectiveness of The Cooperative Learning Model Assisted by The PhET Simulation to Improve Students’ Learning Outcomes

Abstract

Low student learning outcomes in static fluid topics highlight the need for innovative physics
learning strategies. This study evaluates the effectiveness. of a cooperative learning model assisted
by PhET simulations in improving outcomes. Using a one-group pretest-posttest design with a
quantitative approach, the study involved 31 students from class XI A3 who were purposively
selected. A multiple-choice test covering hydrostatic pressure, Pascal’s law, and Archimedes’
principle served as the primary instrument. Data were analyzed using the N-Gain test to measure
improvement. Results showed an average score increase from 49.87 to 73.94, with an N-Gain of
0.48 (moderate category). The findings suggest that cooperative learning supported by PhET
simulations is pretty effective in enhancing student learning outcomes. This study implies that
integrating collaborative learning with interactive simulations can be a promising innovation in
physics education.