The Effect of Laboratory Based Learning in Developing Physics Teacher Candidates' Skills on Applying Measurement Instruments

Abstract

Laboratory based learning is one kind of blended learning that combines the aspects of knowledge, skills, and attitudes. Simultaneously, students can apply the knowledge they have possessed, practice the skills, as well as growing their scientific attitude. Laboratory based learning method has been conducted for studying about measurement instruments, up to measurement data processing. This research aims to determine the effect of laboratory based learning in developing physics teacher candidates' skills on applying measurement instruments. The design of this research is qualitative in nature involving one class of undergraduate students of Physics Teacher Education Department at STKIP Al Hikmah, which is consist of six students, as the research subjects. Data collecting is obtained through interview result with physics teacher candidates and their laboratory report. Subjects showed higher improvement skills in using measurement instruments through laboratory based learning. Physics teacher candidates have a deeper understanding about measurement instruments that includes using measurement instruments, taking and analysis data, estimating measurement errors, and communicating the result both in written and oral. Laboratory based learning also improves concepts understanding (knowledge aspects) and students' scientific attitudes.