Applying the PhET Simulation and Problem-Based Learning to Enhance Students' Problem-Solving Ability

Abstract

The primary focus of physics instruction in schools is to improve students' problem-solving skills.
This study aims to determine whether employing problem-based learning can enhance students'
problem-solving skills. This study employs a quasi-experimental design with a non-equivalent
control group. It was discovered that students' problem-solving skills remained deficient due to
less collaborative and active learning. The study was carried out in classes XI A through XI D at
MAN 1 Mataram. The researchers used purposive sampling, which resulted in XI C and XI D
being designated as the experimental and control classes, respectively. The test used in the research
data collection method consisted of ten questions. Pretest and posttest results are research data. N
Gain is used to evaluate the effectiveness of the learning process. According to the N-Gain results,
the N-Gain of the experimental class was 0,66, whereas the control class was 0,48. Therefore, it
can be said that using PhET simulations to facilitate problem-based learning is a good way to
enhance problem-solving abilities. Compared to traditional learning, the use of the problem-based
learning paradigm with PhET simulation is more successful.