Effectiveness of simulation, hands-on and a combined strategy in enhancing conceptual understanding on electric circuit: a comparative study
Dorji Tenzin, Karma Utha, Kinley Seden
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.