Cognitive Structure of Students on Acid-Base Concepts through Learning Cycle 8E Approach
Sylvia Faustine(a*) , Yuli Rahmawati(b), Ahmad Ridwan(c), Irma Ratna Kartika(d)

Universitas Negeri Jakarta
Rawamangun Muka Street, Jakarta, Indonesia
*sylviafstn[at]gmail.com

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the cognitive structure of students in year 11 SMAN 89 Jakarta on acid-base concepts, through Learning Cycle 8E approach. The cognitive structure represents the understanding of students of the concepts and their thinking process. The Learning Cycle 8E consists of engage, explore, e-search, elaborate, exchange, extend, evaluate, and explain. The research employed qualitative approached with the free word association test, interview, and observation. In this study, acid-base concepts were divided into the characteristics, indicator, and acid-base strength. The cognitive structure has been explored by using free word association tests in the stage of exploring, elaborate, extend, and explain phases. Then the concept mapping stage has been used at the end of the lesson. The data analysis of data reduction, presentation, and verification has been conducted to portray cognitive structure of students. The findings indicated that students have developed their conceptual understanding in each stage of the Learning Cycle 8E. Keywords and sentences of acid-base concepts have been developed by students based on previous experience and new understanding. Learning Cycle 8E model has an impact on the development of cognitive structure which represented understanding of students. In addition, learning cycle 8E cycle can decrease the percentage of misconception on the concept of an indicator and acid-base strength. Therefore, chemistry teachers can employ this Learning Cycle 8E to develop students conceptual understanding and overcome misconceptions on students.

Keywords: chemistry learning; acid-base; learning cycle 8E; cognitive structure

Topic: Chemistry Education