The Impact of STEM-Based Physics Worksheets on Students’ Learning Independence and Conceptual Understanding

Authors

  • Nurul Yakina Basri Universitas Negeri Makassar
  • Subaer Universitas Negeri Makassar
  • Khaeruddin Universitas Negeri Makassar

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.36456/bp.vol22.no2.a11234

Keywords:

STEM-Based Learning; Physics Worksheets; Learning Independence; Conceptual Understanding

Abstract

This study examined the effect of STEM-based physics student worksheets on students’ learning independence and conceptual understanding of heat and temperature at SMAN 5 Enrekang. A quasi-experimental non-equivalent control group design was used. The purposive sample comprised 60 students: 30 in the experimental group and 30 in the control group. The experimental group used STEM-based worksheets, whereas the control group used conventional worksheets. Learning independence questionnaires and conceptual-understanding tests were administered before and after the intervention. Descriptive results showed a learning-independence mean of 103.63 (SD = 5.11) for the experimental group and 87.03 (SD = 4.70) for the control group. For conceptual understanding, the experimental-group mean increased from 18.77 to 26.00, whereas the control-group mean increased from 20.00 to 21.00. The experimental group had an N-Gain of 0.71, categorized as high. The Mann–Whitney U test indicated significant between-group differences for both outcomes (p < .001).

Author Biographies

  • Nurul Yakina Basri, Universitas Negeri Makassar

    Nurul Yakina Basri is a Master’s student in Physics Education at Universitas Negeri Makassar, Indonesia.

  • Subaer, Universitas Negeri Makassar

    Subaer is a Professor in Physics Education and Head of the Master’s Program in Physics Education at Universitas Negeri Makassar, Indonesia.

  • Khaeruddin, Universitas Negeri Makassar

    Khaeruddin is a lecturer in Physics Education and serves as the Vice Dean of the Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Sciences at Universitas Negeri Makassar. 

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Published

31-10-2026

How to Cite

The Impact of STEM-Based Physics Worksheets on Students’ Learning Independence and Conceptual Understanding. (2026). Buana Pendidikan: Jurnal Fakultas Keguruan Dan Ilmu Pendidikan Unipa Surabaya, 22(2), 180-188. https://doi.org/10.36456/bp.vol22.no2.a11234