ABSTRACT
Background
Electric circuit concepts in physics are abstract in nature and students find it difficult to comprehend.
Purpose
This study was designed to compare the impact of three different strategies: simulation, hands-on and a combined strategy in enhancing conceptual understanding on electric circuit for class X students.
Design
A mixed method with quasi-experimental research design was used.
Sample
A total of 71 students participated in three comparative groups.
Method
The comparative group 1 was taught using simulation, comparative group 2 with a combined strategy, and a comparative group 3 with hands-on activities. The quantitative data were collected through standard norm-referenced pre- and post-test from all the comparative groups and the qualitative data was collected through semi-structured focused-group interview.
Result
The study concluded that a combined strategy was more effective in enhancing conceptual understanding of electric circuit concepts in comparison to the use of simulation and hands-on strategies. This is because the participants were able to master the gaps of their learning from one strategy by the other strategy. However, there was a mixed opinion between the simulation and hands-on strategy. The post-test result revealed that simulation was more effective, whereas the interview revealed that hands-on strategy was more effective for students to understand the electric circuit concept. Nevertheless, the study recommends the future researchers to test and verify the effectiveness of this strategy by implementing it in teaching higher electric circuit concepts like resistivity, Kirchoff’s laws and other physics topics.
Disclosure statement
No potential conflict of interest was reported by the author(s).