Effectiveness of the PhET Simulation Assisted by Songs to Improve Students Critical Thinking Skills in Electrical Circuits
DOI:
10.29303/jpm.v20i2.8729Published:
2025-03-30Issue:
Vol. 20 No. 2 (2025): March 2025Keywords:
Critical Thinking; PhET Simulation; Project-Based Learning; Song in Learning; Electrical CircuitsArticles
Downloads
How to Cite
Downloads
Metrics
Abstract
Critical thinking is a fundamental skill in science education, yet many elementary students struggle to develop it due to conventional teaching methods that limit active participation. Electrical circuit concepts are often presented theoretically without hands-on application, making it difficult for students to grasp them fully. As a result, they face challenges in understanding electric current flow, series and parallel circuits and assembling circuits correctly. This study investigates the effectiveness of integrating PhET simulations with songs to enhance students' critical thinking skills in learning electrical circuits. A quasi-experimental design with a Nonequivalent Control Group was used, involving 40 students selected through total sampling. The control group (Class VA) received conventional instruction supplemented with videos, while the experimental group (Class VB) engaged in learning through PhET simulations combined with song and project-based learning. Data collection included written tests based on critical thinking indicators, interviews, and documentation. Statistical analysis comprised independent t-tests and N-Gain calculations. The t-test analysis, with a calculated t-value of 9.367, showed that students in the experimental group experienced significantly higher improvements in critical thinking skills than those in the control group. The experimental class achieved an average N-Gain score of 0.83 (high category), whereas the control class reached only 0.22 (low category). This finding shows that integrating PhET simulations with songs can improve students' critical thinking skills. In addition, supporting the Project Based Learning method allows students to apply their knowledge to real-world projects, encouraging deeper exploration and problem-solving skills. This research presents an innovative method for fostering critical thinking through interactive learning. Further research can investigate its implementation in different subjects to refine and expand effective teaching strategies.
References
J. Danurahman and D. Arif, ‘Kajian Kegunaan Google Classroom dalam Meningkatkan Kemampuan Berpikir Kritis Peserta Didik’, Edcomtech J. Kaji. Teknol. Pendidik., vol. 6, no. 2, pp. 254–263, Jul. 2021, doi:10.17977/um039v6i12021p254.
N. dan Y. L. Wedyawati, Pembelajaran IPA Di Sekolah Dasar. Sleman: deepublish, 2019.
W. Kurniawati, ‘Pembelajaran IPA di Sekolah dasar’, 1st ed., A. . Utami, Ed., Klaten: 2023, 2023.
A. Hindriyani, S. Kusairi, and L. Yuliati, ‘Kemampuan Memecahkan Masalah Rangkaian Arus Searah Pada Pembelajaran Berbasis Masalah Disertai Penilaian Formatif’, J. Pendidik. Teor. Penelitian, dan Pengemb., vol. 5, no. 9, p. 1237, 2020, doi:10.17977/jptpp.v5i9.14003.
T. A. Sani Susanti, Fitrah Aminah, Intan Mumtazah Assa’idah, Mey Wati Aulia, ‘Dampak Negatif Metode Pengajaran Monoton Terhadap Motivasi Belajar Siswa Sani’, vol. 2, no. 2, pp. 86–93, 2024.
D. Delista, F. Khairani, and N. Profithasari, ‘Hubungan Antara Motivasi Belajar Dengan Kemampuan Berpikir Kritis Peserta Didik Kelas Tinggi SD Negeri 6 Metro Barat’, 2024.
J. B. Kelana and D. S. Wardani, Model Pembelajaran IPA SD. Cirebon: Edutrimedia Indonesia, 2021.
A. Malik, H. Aliah, and S. Susanti, Peran Praktikum dalam Pembelajaran IPA. 2019.
Badriyah, R. D. Setiyo, Z. El Firdausi, K. Nuqia, I. Ketut Mahardika, and S. Baktiarso, ‘Manfaat PhET Simulasi dalam Menopang Sarana dan Prasarana Laboratorium Fisika untuk Meningkatkan Minat Belajar Siswa’, J. Ilm. Wahana Pendidik., vol. 9, no. 2, pp. 84–90, 2023, [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7564905
Y. Rahmawati, O. Hartanto, I. Falani, and D. Iriyadi, ‘Journal of Technology and Science Education STUDENTS ’ CONCEPTUAL UNDERSTANDING IN CHEMISTRY’, vol. 12, no. 2, pp. 303–326, 2022.
H. Habibi, J. Jumadi, and M. Mundilarto, ‘Phet simulation as means to trigger the creative thinking skills of physics concepts’, Int. J. Emerg. Technol. Learn., vol. 15, no. 6, pp. 166–172, 2020, doi:10.3991/IJET.V15I06.11319.
M. Fathurrohman, Model - Model Pembelajaran Inovatif. Jogjakarta: Ar-Ruzz Media, 2015.
I. J. Nurhidayah, F. C. Wibowo, and I. M. Astra, ‘Project Based Learning (PjBL) learning model in science learning: Literature review’, J. Phys. Conf. Ser., vol. 2019, no. 1, pp. 3–9, 2021, doi:10.1088/1742-6596/2019/1/012043.
Sugiyono, Metode Penelitian Pendidikan, Edisi 3. Bandung: Alfabeta, 2019.
U. Sekaran, Research Method for Business, 7th ed. United Kingdom: John Wiley & Sons Ltd, 2016.
D. L. A, H. L. Dewi, U. Islam, N. K. H. Abdurrahman, and W. Pekalongan, ‘Efektivitas Project Based Learning dalam Kurikulum Merdeka terhadap Kemampuan Berpikir Kritis Matematis Siswa SMP Negeri 1 Karangdadap’, Circ. J. Pendidik. Mat., vol. 4, no. 2, pp. 175–185, 2024.
Sugiyono, Metode Penelitian Pendidikan. Bandung: Alfabeta, 2016.
S. Arikunto, ‘Prosedur penelitian : suatu pendekatan praktik’, 20th ed., Jakarta: Rineka Cipta, 2010, p. 112.
R. R. Hake, Analizyng Change/Gain Scores. 1999.
R. M. R. Muflich and M. Nursikin, ‘Pandangan John Dewey Dan Jean Piaget Terhadap Kurikulum Pendidikan: Perspektif Teori Pembelajaran Aktif Dan Konstruktivisme’, Afeksi J. Penelit. Dan Eval. Pendidik., vol. 4, no. 6, pp. 614–621, 2023.
R. E. Mayer, Multimedia Learning (2nd ed.). Cambridge University Press., 2009.
A. Susilawati, T. D. Putri, and A. Nursangadah, ‘Penerapan Simulasi PhET pada Pembelajaran Matematika di Kelas III SDN Trayu’, Pendas J. Ilm. Pendidik. Dasar, vol. 7, no. 2, pp. 949–960, 2022, [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.23969/jp.v7i2.6777
C. I. R. N. Aprilia Eka Putri, Andika Gutama, ‘Efektivitas Penggunaan Media Lagu Untuk Meningkatkan Daya Ingat Siswa Materi Siklus Hidrologi Pembelajaran IPA Kelas 5 SDN PERMANU 03 Aprilia’, Semin. Nas. PGSD UNIKAMA, vol. 7, no. 1, pp. 8–14, 2023.
H. Hikmawati, S. Sarbiniwati, and I. Taufiqurrahman, ‘Utilization of Digital Media to Develop Students’ Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) at SD Negeri 3 Anyar, North Lombok’, Unram J. Community Serv., vol. 5, no. 2, pp. 61–65, 2024, doi:10.29303/ujcs.v5i2.592.
F. Maisarah, ‘Pembelajaran Seni Musik dan Lirik Lagu Dalam Upaya Peningkatan Vocabulary Berbahasa Inggris’, J. Sitakara, vol. 8, no. 2, pp. 232–240, 2023, doi:10.31851/sitakara.v8i2.12848.
T. A. Angelo and J. L. Cooper, ‘Beginning The Dialogue : Thoughts On Promoting Classroom Assessment for Critical Thinking Cooperative Learning and Critical Thinking’, 1988.
P. A. Facione, ‘Critical Thinking : What It Is and Why It Counts’, pp. 1–30, 2015.
K. Karim and N. Normaya, ‘Kemampuan Berpikir Kritis Siswa dalam Pembelajaran dalam Pembelajaran Matematika dengan Menggunakan Model Jucama di Sekolah Menengah Pertama’, EDU-MAT J. Pendidik. Mat., vol. 3, no. 1, 2015, doi:10.20527/edumat.v3i1.634.
A. Ratnasari, K. Sumardi, and E. T. Berman, ‘Media Pembelajaraan Berbasis PhET Simulasi Untuk Meningkatkan Hasil Belajar Peserta Didik di SMK’, J. Ilm. Profesi Pendidik., vol. 8, no. 1b, pp. 711–718, 2023, doi:10.29303/jipp.v8i1b.993.
E. N. Rahmawati, Jumadi, and D. P. Astuti, ‘Development of e-handout assisted by PhET simulation with problem based learning (PBL) model about momentum conservation law and collision to train students’ conceptual understanding’, J. Phys. Conf. Ser., vol. 1440, no. 1, 2020, doi:10.1088/1742-6596/1440/1/012048.
F. R. Agustina and Dwikoranto, ‘Development of STEM model student worksheets with PhET simulation on Hooke’s law material to improve the ability students’ critical thinking’, J. Phys. Conf. Ser., vol. 2110, no. 1, 2021, doi:10.1088/1742-6596/2110/1/012023.
P. Y. Sutikno, M. Jazuli, U. Utomo, and Sunarto, ‘The Effects of Singing Activities on Children’s Memory, Learning Motivation, and Creativity in an Indonesian Kindergarten for Preschoolers’, J. Law Sustain. Dev., vol. 12, no. 1, p. e3123, 2024, doi:10.55908/sdgs.v12i1.3123.
P. Sih, F. Wati, P. Y. Sutikno, and U. N. Semarang, ‘The Effectiveness of the Song-Assisted Discovery Learning Model on Science Learning Outcomes at Sragen 06 State Elementary’, Form. J. Ilm. Pendidik. MIPA, vol. 14, no. 148, pp. 305–316, 2024.
D. Aprilia and P. Y. Sutikno, ‘Song Media Improves Mathematics Learning Outcomes of Elementary School Students on Two-Dimensional Figures’, J. Pendidik. DAN PENGAJARAN, vol. 57, pp. 383–391, 2024.
H. L. Rizka Nur Faidah, Rizma Okavianti, Putri May Maulidia, Eva Putri Muliyani, ‘Implementasi Pembelajaran Siklus Air melalui Lagu dan Media Diorama dalam Peningkatan Pemahaman Peserta Didik di Sekolah Dasar’, Indones. Res. J. Educ. Web, vol. 4, pp. 1207 – 1211, 2024.
P. P. Satriani, Kaherudin, ‘Hubungan Pemahaman Konsep Dengan Keterampilan Berpikir Kritis Pada Pembelajaran Fisika’, J. Sains dan Pendidik. Fis., vol. 20, no. 3, pp. 249–259, 2024, doi:10.35580/jspf.v20i3.5296.
Y. Rahmawati, T. Hadinugrahaningsih, A. Ridwan, U. S. Palimbunga, and A. Mardiah, ‘Developing the critical thinking skills of vocational school students in electrochemistry through STEM - Project-based learning (STEM-PjBL)’, AIP Conf. Proc., vol. 2331, 2021, doi:10.1063/5.0041915.
Author Biographies
Nur Maesaroh, Elementary Teacher Education Department, Universitas Negeri Semarang
Putri Yanuarita Sutikno, Elementary Teacher Education Department, Universitas Negeri Semarang
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Nur Maesaroh, Putri Yanuarita Sutikno
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
The following terms apply to authors who publish in this journal:
1. Authors retain copyright and grant the journal first publication rights, with the work simultaneously licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution License 4.0 International License (CC-BY License) that allows others to share the work with an acknowledgment of the work's authorship and first publication in this journal.
2. Authors may enter into separate, additional contractual arrangements for the non-exclusive distribution of the journal's published version of the work (e.g., posting it to an institutional repository or publishing it in a book), acknowledging its initial publication in this journal.
3. Before and during the submission process, authors are permitted and encouraged to post their work online (e.g., in institutional repositories or on their website), as this can lead to productive exchanges as well as earlier and greater citation of published work (See The Effect of Open Access).
