LEARNING IS FUN WITH CHEMISTRY PRACTICUM
Chemistry is a subject that is taught independently starting at SMA/SMK/MA level. In chemistry there is some abstract material that is difficult for students to understand. Implementation of the learning method using lectures, question and answer, Practicing questions and discussions make it difficult for students to understand abstract material and tend to be disinterested, bored or even bored in following the learning process in class.
As a teacher, I want my students to always be motivated in learning and be able to understand chemistry material well. I try to implement a learning model that can create an interesting learning environment, challenge, and meaningful, where in the process students will feel happy and enjoy every moment of their learning.
To make this happen, I try to carry out differentiated learning using the discoverly learning model with practicum methods. In each chemical material to discover or strengthen the concepts studied, I try my best to carry out practical methods in the Chemistry Laboratory. I hope that implementing chemistry learning using the practicum method will make students actively involved in their own learning process, foster creativity, critical reasoning and collaboration skills.
Implementing differentiated learning using the discoverly learning model with practicum methods requires more time and energy in preparation, al; 1) preparation of learning device design; 2) Preparation of tools and materials for chemistry practicum in collaboration with colleagues in other chemistry fields at State High School 1 Madiun does not have laboratory staff whose job it is to prepare chemistry lab equipment and materials; 3) provide information to students regarding the schedule and things that students need to prepare to carry out the practicum.
Before starting to study chemistry, use the practical method, 2 or 3 The previous day I conveyed to my students the division of work groups, practical materials that must be carried independently by the working group, Teaching materials that can be studied before learning are in the form of PDF materials, YouTube link and web link to articles related to the material to be studied. I also give students assignments to design the practicum that will be carried out if the practicum requires general tools and materials.
When learning using the chemistry practicum method, the steps I do are al; 1) form work groups with heterogeneous academic abilities; 2) reminded again of the work agreement in the chemistry laboratory and the importance of dividing tasks per group; 3) guidance and assistance in the implementation of practicum; 4) monitor work per group and carry out performance assessments; 5) guiding group discussions in understanding chemical concepts through practicum; 6) give each group the opportunity to present the results of their observations and group work; 7) Guide students to draw conclusions from experimental results; 8) give feedback on the learning that has been implemented; 9) asking students to fill out a google form about learning reflection as evaluation material for me; 10) give students freedom in choosing the form of the Practicum Report, between net; paper, PPt/Canva, video, infographics and posters.
Students really like learning using the practical method because it makes them active in learning, cultivate thoroughness, accuracy and cooperation in practicum, learning and discovering new things while working in the laboratory and the most enjoyable thing according to students is having fun, doesn't watch and doesn't make you sleepy or bored. Learning in the laboratory also grows students' ability to analyze the data they obtain, draw relationships between data and draw conclusions and strengthen the concepts of the material that has been studied.
In my opinion, teachers must listen to students' voices and input and pay attention to their learning needs. When there are questions from my students, can the practical report video be uploaded to YouTube?, then it is their voices and needs that I must hear. Including many students who said that they preferred learning chemistry during chemistry practicum in the laboratory compared to learning chemistry in class. In fact, one of the most impressive comments from a student was that he wanted to study chemistry with lots of practicums in the laboratory to discover new things that were useful and of high selling value because chemistry is always present in every aspect of life..
Input from students and the results of my own reflection, There are things that I need to develop based on my experience when learning using practicum methods, al; 1) need to give more opportunities and responsibilities to students who are very enthusiastic about practicum to become practicum assistants; 2) carry out practicums outside teaching and learning hours so that students have more optimal time; 3) designing different practicum report form options for each subject matter with the points that must be present; 4) optimizing peer assessment during group work; 5) develop practical instructions that contain simple tools and materials that students can prepare themselves.
The practical method in learning chemistry is also able to increase creativity and collaboration between students, This is very visible in the practical report video that they uploaded on YouTube. In this digital era, as teachers, we must facilitate learning to develop our students' digital abilities according to the needs of the times.