Guided game based learning to motivate students in study natural science subject

Abstract

According to observations in one of junior high schools (SMP) in Klaten, Indonesia, the most difficult subjects that perceived by students is natural science, more specifically in topic of rectilinear motion. Therefore, they are less motivated to study, whereas the subject is a basic foundation to continue the next discussions. To tackle the problem, Guided Game Based Learning (GGBL) is proposed, a method to teach students by games and guided by teacher or assistant in the teaching and learning process. This research aims to apply GGBL which involved 26 students. The gameplay was designed based on the existing Learning Implementation Programs (LIP). Data obtained from observations, pretest, post-test and in-depth interviews and analysed by descriptive statistical. Result shows that before and after applied GGBL method have escalation mean score, namely 2.38 point. Non-parametric test used to explore the effect of before and after implementing GGBL, because the distribution of data is not normal. Calculations perform that Z-score is-5.243 and p-value is less than 0.05 with significance level 0.05 (p<0.05). Hence, pretest and post-test have a meaningful difference, which means that GGBL has an impact to the teaching and learning process. The questionnaire also obtained that 87,9% of the students were motivated to study through the game, so that the GGBL method can be implemented to wider classes.