The Development of Dual Mode Experiment Model Based on Physics Problem Solving: Comparing learning achievements between real and virtual experiment

Abstract

Experimental models based on physics problem solving to enhance critical thinking and problem solving skills (CTS and PSS) have been successfully developed, both real and virtual experiments. The experimental stages consist of problem descriptions, understanding problems, method questions, predictions, determining ideas, equipment, procedures, measurements, data analysis, conclusions, and presentations. During the experimental process, real experiment mode uses real equipment, while virtual experiment use computer simulations. Each experimental mode was tested on prospective physics teachers at a university in Bengkulu, Indonesia. A total of 20 students (7 men and 13 women) were involved in real experiments, and 21 students (6 men and 15 women) were involved in virtual experiments. Before and after conducting experiments, students in both experimental groups were given CTS and PSS tests. The pretest scores of the two experimental groups were not significantly different. After conducting experiments, both groups were given posttest. The mean score of CTS and PSS posttest for the real experiment group was 77 and 79, while the virtual lab group was 78 and 81. It can be concluded that the two experiment models have equivalent ability in increasing CTS and PSS students. Keywords—dual mode experiment; physics problem solving; real experiment; virtual experiment; critical thinking; problem