Simulation Games Using 4A's (Activity, Analysis, Abstraction and Application)Instructional Design Model in Teaching Electromagnetism

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Simulation refers to a model of reality. In most games, students act out roles according to certain guidelines and through this, students gain an understanding of reality. Through simulation, students' perspective changes through active learning and participation. Here, teaching through simulation games using 4 A's Instructional Design Model is the goal that fits into today's current context.

METHODS

This study had investigated on the effects of simulation games using 4 A's IDM on the academic performance and attitude of Grade 10 students, a quasi-experimental, non-equivalence, and pre-test and post-test design was used to run the experiment. Two intact classes were utilized as experimental and control groups and paired based on their first grading grades. The academic performance test was a 30-item pencil and paper researcher made test and a 10-item attitude test. Mean, standard deviation, frequency, percentage and analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) were used to treat the data.

RESULTS

Results showed that most students in the control group were not proficient in their knowledge and skills or their scores ranges from 0-18 (Did Not Meet Expectation) in electromagnetism. Majority of the learners in the experimental group had obtained fairly satisfactory (FS) performance or scores range from 19-21. The standard deviation in the pre-test and post-test of the experimental group was slightly higher compared to that of the control group, indicating that they had varied responses which are attributed to their active participation due to various simulation games, such as role-playing simulations, paper and pen simulations, PhET, and Physlet Simulations. ANOVA shows the p-value (p=0.000) which is below the alpha level set at 0.05, meaning there is a significant difference in the mean gain scores in their academic performance. The over-all mean shows that students have a highly favorable attitude towards Physics. The standard deviation indicates less dispersion of the distribution of the scores from the mean. Problems encountered by Science teachers are the lack of laboratory materials, large class size, activities need longer time, language barrier, no audio-visual room, and lack of fund for computer units' maintenance.

DISCUSSIONS

Simulation games using 4 A's instructional design model could help improve the performance of students since it's engaging, collaborating, and submerging on students' part and could develop highly favorable attitude because itis fun.