Problem solving in science technology and society learning improving junior high school students' scientific attitudes and process skills

Abstract

Problem solving research applied in the Science Technology and Society Learning aimed to improve students' science process skills and scientific attitudes. For this purpose, two complete classes of the same teacher were randomly assigned to the experimental and control groups. The research was conducted at a public school in Ambon City, beginning with a classroom placement test. The cognitive learning outcome test instrument was developed with a cognitive load that has been achieved according to the unit level, namely class IX and has met the prerequisite test of the instrument's quality. The results showed that there was a statistically significant difference between the two groups related to process skills and attitudes towards science after the treatment. In the experimental group, mean scores were found to be consistently higher across all dimensions of process skills and scientific attitudes compared to the control group. Besides, the mean score showed an increase in the experimental group students'. The qualitative findings also reveal that students find problem solving fun. According to problem solving students, finding information and writing reports is one of the problem solving features that contributes the most to their learning.