The influence of PBL-STEM on students' problem-solving skills in the topic of optical instruments

Abstract

The research aimed to reveal the influence of Problem Based Learning-Science Technology Engineering Mathematics (PBL-STEM)on students' problem-solving skills in the topic of the optical instruments. This research was quasi-experimental research using Pre- and Posttest Design. The research subject was 114 grade X students of MAN Tulungagung Indonesia. The classes used in the research, which were called Experiment 1, Experiment 2 and a control class received, respectively, PBL-STEM, PBL, and conventional learning models. The research instrument was students' Optical Instrument Problem-Solving Skills Test with 0.99 alpha Cronbach reliability. The data were analyzed using one-way ANOVA with post hoc test, N-gain and effect size. The result showed that the learning model influenced students' problem-solving skills. Experiment 1 acquired significantly higher problem-solving skills than other classes, and Experiment 2 acquired significantly higher problem-solving skills than the control class. Both Experiment classes obtained an increase in problem-solving skills at a level higher than the control class. The practical implementation of PBL-STEM model had a medium impact than PBL class. Furthermore, PBL-STEM and PBL had a huge impact compared with the conventional class in increasing the students' problem-solving skills.