Exploring Students’ motivation and academic performance in learning ohm’s law using PhET simulations

Buday Benzar M 1, 2, Dalisay, Christi Norma C 1, 2, Emralino Blaisie S 1, 3, Laurio Shiela Lyn R 1, 4, *

1 Department of Science Education, De La Salle University, Manila, NCR, Philippines
2 Advanced Science and Technology Department, Philippine Science High School CALABARZON Region Campus, Philippines.
3 Laguna College, San Pablo Laguna, CALABARZON, Philippines.
4 College of Arts, Science and Technology Department, De La Salle Araneta University, Malabon City, NCR, Philippines.
 
Research Article
World Journal of Advanced Research and Reviews, 2023, 20(02), 287–294
Article DOI: 10.30574/wjarr.2023.20.2.2232
 
Publication history: 
Received on 23 September 2023; revised on 02 November 2023; accepted on 05 November 2023

Abstract: 
Science teachers face several challenges in creating and implementing inquiry-based learning in Physics education. Part of this problem can be attributed to the fact that Physics is an imaginative science, which limits the students’ readiness to grasp the concepts and demotivates them to pursue further studies related to Physics. This only suggests the need to introduce strategies that promote easy visualization and cultivate students’ interest in the subject. This study examined the effect of PhET simulation on the academic performance and motivation of Grade 10 students to learn Ohm’s Law. Specifically, it aimed to a) compare the students’ pretest and posttest scores; b) determine their level of motivation in the five motivational areas (i.e., intrinsic, self-efficacy, self-determination, grade, and career); and c) determine the relationship between students’ motivation and post-test score. Using the Physics Motivation Questionnaire II (PMQ-II), 61 students were surveyed after a 2-week lecture in Ohms’ law. A paired t-test revealed that the PhET simulation is valid for improving the performance of the students on Ohm’s Law. Among the five constructs of motivation, grade motivation and intrinsic motivation were the highest after the intervention. Lastly, it was found that the posttest scores of the students correlate positively with their motivation to learn Ohm’s Law. Based on these findings, it is recommended that teachers continue to utilize PhET simulation to its full potential by letting students manipulate and interact with the program.
 
Keywords: 
Academic performance; Motivation; PhET Simulation; Inquiry-based learning
 
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