Proceedings of the 2016 International Conference on Mathematics and Science Education

Development of Optics Learning Model to Build Mental Models and Problem Solving Ability

Authors
Kartini Herlina, Mohamad Nur, Wahono Widodo
Corresponding author
Kartini Herlina
Keywords
ExPRession"model; problem solving ability; mental model,
Abstract
One of the goals of physics instruction should be to enable the students to solve problems in a flexibly way. This requires the students to consider and to use multi-representations as a natural part of the way they solve problems. This paper presents the results of our research on the development of optics learning model that was designed for the purpose of building mental models and problem solving ability, especially in the topic of light refraction. The learning model is called "ExPRession" model, developed based on one model of PBL namely the Illinois Mathematics and Science Academy (IMSA) model. Furthermore, we integrated the Polya's and Heller & Heller problem solving strategies to IMSA PBL. We implemented our model in a limited test that conducted to 16 students of the 5th semester in physics education at Lampung University who were enrolled in an optics course. The learning model was implemented in three topics such as rectilinear propagation of light, refraction of light on a flat surface, and refraction of light on a curved surface. The results showed that "ExPRression" learning models could be categorized as "valid in contents" and as "valid in constructions", categorized as "practical", and categorized as "effective". The developed learning tools can be classified as a valid and could be used to support the implementation of the "Expression" learning model. The results in limited test showed that "ExPRression" learning model was effective in building mental model and improving aspects of problem solving ability
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