Peningkatan Kemampuan Kognitif pada Materi Getaran dan Gelombang melalui Pembelajaran Kooperatif Berbantuan PhET Simulation

Abstract

This study aims to analyze improvements in students’ cognitive abilities regarding the topic of vibrations and waves through cooperative learning aided by the PhET Simulation software. This is a quantitative study with a pre-experimental approach using a one-group pretest-posttest design. The study population consists of all eighth-grade students at SMP Negeri 15 Ambon. The research sample was selected using purposive sampling, resulting in Class VIII₅, consisting of 26 students. Research data were collected through test and non-test instruments. The test instruments consisted of pretests and posttests to measure students’ cognitive abilities, while the non-test instruments consisted of Student Worksheets (LKPD) used during the learning process. The data were analyzed descriptively by calculating cognitive ability scores before and after instruction, as well as the improvement using the N-Gain test. The results showed that the students’ average pretest score was 10.47, classified as failing. During the learning process, the average achievement score based on the Student Worksheets was 90.84, classified as very good. After participating in PhET-assisted cooperative learning, the average posttest score increased to 87.75, which is classified as good. The N-Gain score of 0.86 indicates that the improvement in students’ cognitive abilities falls into the high category. It is hoped that PhET-assisted cooperative learning can serve as an effective alternative teaching method to enhance students’ cognitive abilities in the subject matter of vibrations and waves.