Four-Tier Thermodynamics Diagnostic Test (4T-TDT) to Identify Student Misconception

Abstract

There are limited studies on the diagnosis of thermodynamics misconceptions using a four-tier instrument diagnostic test. Therefore, this identifies the misconceptions in thermodynamics material. The survey research was conducted on 577 students at SMAN in Semarang, Central Java. Students were selected using a simple random sampling technique. Identification of student misconceptions was done using the Four Tier Thermodynamics Diagnostic Test (4T-TDT). Students’ conceptual understanding was calculated using the percentage technique. The results of this study indicate that many students still have misconceptions about the concept of thermodynamics. The findings are expected to be a strategic step for designing appropriate remedial teaching. Keywords: thermodynamics, misconception, four-tier diagnostic test, alternative conception