The Design of Independent Practicum Module about Photoelectric Effect Using PhET Simulation

Abstract

Learning about Photoelectric Effect involves various interesting physical quantities to be deeply studied. Due to the limitations of laboratory tools, the Physics Education Technology (PhET) Interactive Simulations is needed as a virtual laboratory. In order for students to independently study the Photoelectric Effect material using PhET simulation, a guide is needed in the form of independent practicum module. This study examines the effectiveness of the design of independent practicum module using PhET simulation for student understanding of Photoelectric Effect concept. Respondents in this study were 4 students of the first level of Physics and Physics Education Department. The method used is descriptive research with instruments in the form of observation sheets, evaluation questions, questionnaires, and interviews. The results are all students were able to follow the steps in the module properly and each student was able to answer module questions correctly by ≥ 70% of 100%; they got score ≥ 70 of 100 with an average score of 91.25 overall; and they gave a positive response of ≥ 70% of 100% for each indicator given. Thus, the independent practicum module using the PhET simulation can be said to be effective in helping students explore the material of Photoelectric Effects independently.