Vol. 11 No. 9 (2025): September
Open Access
Peer Reviewed

Investigating the Impact of Research-Based Learning on Conceptual Understanding in Thermal Conduction

Authors

Gunarjo Suryanto Budi , Theo Jhoni Hartanto , Fenno Farcis , Elis Triwati , Muhammad Fajar Ma’ruf

DOI:

10.29303/jppipa.v11i9.12467

Published:

2025-09-25

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Abstract

This study investigates the impact of research-based learning on students’ conceptual understanding of thermal conduction. The research employed a one-group pretest-posttest design involving 20 pre-service physics teachers enrolled in a thermodynamics course. The research instrument used was a conceptual understanding test administered before and after implementing research-based learning. The Shapiro-Wilk normality test indicated that both pre-test and post-test data were normally distributed (p > 0.05). A paired samples t-test revealed a significant difference between pre-test and post-test scores (Sig. (2-tailed) = 0.000 < 0.05), suggesting that research-based learning effectively enhanced students’ conceptual understanding. Furthermore, the N-Gain analysis resulted in a score of 0.71, categorized as high, indicating a substantial improvement in students’ conceptual mastery. These findings suggest that research-based learning is an effective instructional approach in teaching thermal conduction, fostering deeper conceptual comprehension among students.

Keywords:

Conceptual understanding Pre-service physics teachers Research-based learning Thermal conduction

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Hartanto, T.J., Dinata, P.A.C., Azizah, N., Qadariah, A., & Pratama, A. (2023). Students' science process skills and understanding on Ohm's law and direct current circuit through virtual laboratory based predict-observe-explain model. Jurnal Pendidikan Sains Indonesia (Indonesian Journal of Science Education), 11(1):113-128.

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Johari, A. H. (2018, May). Application of experiential learning model using simple physical kit to increase attitude toward physics student senior high school in fluid. In Journal of Physics: Conference Series (Vol. 1013, No. 1, p. 012032). IOP Publishing.

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Kudryashova, A., Gorbatova, T., Rybushkina, S., & Ivanova, E. (2016). Teacher’s roles to facilitate active learning. Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences, 7(1), 460.

Liu, X., & Li, Q. (2011). Combination of the Research-Based Learning Method with the Modern Physics Experiment Course Teaching. International Education Studies, 4(1), 101-104.

Marcelina, S., & Hartanto, T. J. (2021). Correcting students’ understanding about simple direct current (DC) circuits through scientific approach. Jurnal Penelitian & Pengembangan Pendidikan Fisika, 7(2), 153-160.

Nabil, N. R. A., Wulandari, I., Yamtinah, S., Ariani, S. R. D., & Ulfa, M. (2022). Analisis indeks Aiken untuk mengetahui validitas isi instrumen asesmen kompetensi minimum berbasis konteks sains kimia. Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan, 25(2), 184-191.

Narahaubun, S. S., Rehena, J. F., & Rumahlatu, D. (2020). Empowering students’ critical thinking skills, information literacy and cognitive learning outcome through RBL-TPS model. JPBI (Jurnal Pendidikan Biologi Indonesia), 6(2), 243-256.

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Nursofah, N., Komala, R., & Rusdi, R. (2018). The effect of research-based learning model and creative thinking ability on students learning outcomes. Indonesian Journal of Science and Education, 2(2), 107–112.

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Parisoto, M. F., Moreira, M. A., & Neto, B. D. (2014). Integrating didactical strategies to facilitate meaningful learning in introductory college physics. Latin-American Journal of Physics Education, 8(4), 21.

Parisoto, M. F., Moreira, M. A., & Neto, B. D. (2014). Integrating didactical strategies to facilitate meaningful learning in introductory college physics. Latin-American Journal of Physics Education, 8(4), 21.

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Resbiantoro, G., & Setiani, R. (2022). A Review of Misconception in Physics: The Diagnosis, Causes, and Remediation. Journal of Turkish Science Education, 19(2), 403-427.

Rizaldi, D. R., & Fatimah, Z. (2023). Efforts to create an interesting and meaningful physics learning environment with a project-based learning model. AMPLITUDO: Journal of Science and Technology Innovation, 2(1), 7-13.

Sözbilir, M. (2003). A review of selected literature on students’ misconceptions of heat and temperature. Bogazici University Journal of Education, 20(1), 25-41.

Sudaryono. (2018). Metodologi penelitian. Depok: PT Raja Grafindo Persada.

Sugiyono. (2019). Metodelogi Penelitian Kuantitatif dan Kualitatif dan R&D. Bandung: Alfabeta.

Tipler, P. A., & Mosca, G. (2007). Physics for scientists and engineers. Macmillan.

Treagust, D. F., & Duit, R. (2018). On the Significance of Conceptual Metaphors in Teaching and Learning Science: Commentary on Lancor; Niebert and Gropengiesser;: and Fuchs David F. Treagust and Reinders Duit. In Conceptual metaphor and embodied cognition in science learning (pp. 226-233). Routledge.

Tungkasamit, A. (2019). The Effect of Using Research-based Learning Model in History Practicum in School Course. Pedagogia: Jurnal Pendidikan, 8(1), 9-17.

Usmeldi, Amini, R., & Trisna, S. (2017). The development of research-based learning model with science, environment, technology, and society approaches to improve critical thinking of students. Jurnal Pendidikan IPA Indonesia, 6(2), 318–325.

Utami, L., Ilahi, D. P., & Ratih, A. (2024). Analisis Indeks Aiken untuk Mengetahui Validitas Isi Instrumen Scinetific Habbits of Mind. Journal of Research and Education Chemistry, 6(1), 59-59.

Author Biographies

Gunarjo Suryanto Budi, University of Palangka Raya

Author Origin : Indonesia

Theo Jhoni Hartanto, University of Palangka Raya

Author Origin : Indonesia

Fenno Farcis, University of Palangka Raya

Author Origin : Indonesia

Elis Triwati, University of Palangka Raya

Author Origin : Indonesia

Muhammad Fajar Ma’ruf, University of Palangka Raya

Author Origin : Indonesia

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How to Cite

Budi, G. S., Hartanto, T. J., Farcis, F., Triwati, E., & Ma’ruf, M. F. (2025). Investigating the Impact of Research-Based Learning on Conceptual Understanding in Thermal Conduction . Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA, 11(9), 503–512. https://doi.org/10.29303/jppipa.v11i9.12467