Performance of Senior High School Students using PhET Simulation in Teaching Physics

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

The Philippine educational system believes that every Filipino deserves an advanced quality education through computerized program. Department of Education enhanced the teaching-learning processes that meet the standards of the 21st century as it emphasizes the use of ICT-supported instructional materials. The University of Colorado developed PhET Simulation as aid to increased visualizations of students to a deeper understanding of Physics. Thus, this study wants to address the challenges in teaching physics and determine the performance of STEM students using Phet Simulation as computer-based instruction in teaching physics.

METHODS

A quasi-experimental research design and a standardized questionnaire from the study of Kotoka and Kier (2013) were used. Grade 12-STEM students were grouped according to their General Physics 1 grades and assigned as experimental (n=16) and control group (n=16). Both groups took the pretest and were taught in the same way. However, Phet Simulation was used in the experimental group. After discussion, post-test was given to determine student's performance before and after using PhET Simulation. Results were interpreted and analyzed using Frequency Count, Percentage, Weighted Mean and t-test for independent samples.

RESULTS

A thirty (30) item test was administered to the experimental group of students. Table 1: Performance in the Pre-test

Performance: 30 items Frequency Percentage Description

26-30 0 0% Excellent 21-25 0 0% Very Good 16-20 1 6.25% Good 11-15 0 0% Fair 6-10 15 93.75% Poor

0-5 0 0% Very Poor Over-all Mean Score: 8.94-Poor

Table 2 Performance in the Posttest

Performance: 30 items Frequency Percentage Description

26-30 1 6.25% Excellent 21-25 7 43.75% Very Good 16-20 6 37.50% Good 11-15 2 12.5% Fair 6-10 0

0% Poor 0-5 0 0% Very Poor Over-all Mean Score: 21.13-Very Good

Table 3 Difference in the Posttest of the Experimental Group and Control Group Group Mean Score t-value Ï -value Remarks

Experimental Group (PhET Simulation Method) 21.13 2.04 .000025 There is a significant difference Control Group 13.56

DISCUSSIONS

The experimental group performed poor in General Physics at the start of the study, which resulted to 8.94. However, the student's performance increased to 21.13 or Very Good when utilizing PhET Simulation. The study found out that there is a significant difference in the student's performance during the posttest of both groups. The t-value and Ï -value resulted to 2.04 and .000025, respectively. This shows that PhET Simulation is effective in learning physics.