Student Difficulties with the Characteristics of Mechanical Waves: A Case Study of Online Learning in the Covid-19 Pandemic Era
Ratih Niela Wulandari (a), Sentot Kusairi (b*)

a) Postgraduate, Malang State University
Jl. Semarang No.5, Sumbersari, Kec. Lowokwaru, Kota Malang, Jawa Timur 65145
b) Physics Education, Malang State University
Jl. Semarang No.5, Sumbersari, Kec. Lowokwaru, Kota Malang, Jawa Timur 65145

Abstract

Online learning in the era of the Covid-19 pandemic forces students to adapt to new ways of learning. This situation has an impact on students^ mastery of concepts, especially in learning physics. This study aims to identify student difficulties with the mechanical wave characteristics concept in online learning in the era of the Covid-19 pandemic. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with five eleventh grade high school students to identify their difficulties with the wave characteristics concept. A student from a private high school and four students from two public high schools in two different regions. This study found that students had difficulty determining the role of frequency and amplitude in everyday sound phenomena. In the context of wave velocity, students tend towards mathematical formulas oriented.

Keywords: wave characteristics, Covid-19 learning era, conceptual understanding

Topic: Physics Education