Application of Learning and Discovery Learning Model
Problem Based Learning to Improve Understanding
Science Concept and Learning Motivation

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to compare the application of discovery learning model (DL) with problem based learning (PBL) on science learning materials of heat and temperature in improving understanding of concept (PK) and learning motivation (MB) of learners. The sample of this research is the students of Grade V of Public Elementary School (SDN) Tumpas, which is 44 students. This research is a quasi experimental design of pretest-postes two group, because, research subjects have been grouped into study groups since they sat in elementary school. One of the classes was randomly selected to get the DL model applied, while one other class was given a learning model with PBL. The result of descriptive data analysis showed that the initial understanding of PK (V) concept of elementary school students on caloric material and temperature is relatively low, and increased after learning process. The average value of the increase (N-gain) PK learners learning outcome DL and PBL respectively is 0.50 and 0.44, while the average value of N-gain MB learners for the class DL is 0.07 and for the 0.09 PBL class. The mean value comparison test results provide sufficient evidence that the increase (N-gain) PK learners who get learning model DL does not differ significantly with the average value of N-gain PK students class PBL. Based on the conceptual understanding indicators, the DL model is significantly better at improving learners' understanding of the sample indicators. The learning model did not have a significant effect on the increase (N-gain) of the MB of learners. Learning motivation is the result of learning in the affective domain is relatively constant in a long time.
Keywords: Learning design, discovery learning, problem based learning, concept comprehension, learning motivation