The Effectiveness of Adopting Phet Interactive Simulation-Based Activities in Improving the Academic Performance of Grade 7 Students in Science

Abstract

Introduction

With the rapid change and development of science and technology of today's world, new methods and techniques are used to meet the interests and demands of the 21st-century learners. There are problems encountered in teaching science that requires exploration in learning. The technological advancements and increasing availability of computers and related equipment such as LCD projectors and LED televisions led to the increasing use of simulation-based software physics programs. In this study, PhET Colorado was the software used by the researchers because it can be run online or downloaded for free and research-based. It is also highly interactive, animated, user-friendly, and creates a game-like environment for the students.

Methods

A quasi-experimental design was utilized in the study. The sample consisted of 83 seventh grade students from the Einstein and Aristotle sections out of the eight sections in Grade 7 level of Sta. Maria High School. The standardized test formulated by the Division of Pampanga was the instrument used to measure the academic performance of the respondents. Of the groups in the study, the experimental group was taught using PhET Interactive Simulation-Based Activities, while the control group was taught using the traditional teaching method.

Results

The results revealed that the academic performance (pre-test) of the control group (M= 13.28) is slightly higher compared with an experimental group (M=14.26), but there is no significant difference between their academic performances (t=1.99, p>.05). After the implementation, the academic performance of the control group increased from (M=14.26 to M=22.65). However, considering the remarkable increase in the academic performance of the experimental group from (M=13.28 to M=26.23). Likewise, statistical results showed that there is a significant difference between the academic performances of the two groups as reflected in their post-test (t=2.0, p<.05).

Discussions

It was reflected in the study that there is a significant improvement in the academic performance of students after using the PhET interactive simulation-based activities. It was also evident that students were very active, highly motivated, and challenged while doing interactive activities in class. It can be concluded and recommended that the integration of PhET interactive simulation-based activities significantly affects the academic performance of Grade 7 students in Science.