International STEM Journal

The Effects of MyNanoria Mobile Applications on Students' Understanding of Nanotechnology in Chemistry Learning

Wan Nor Azlina Binti Wan Abdullah — 2024-06-30

This research investigates the effect of MyNanoria mobile applications in enhancing students' understanding of nanotechnologies in chemistry. This study addresses the problem of insufficient comprehension on complex nanotechnology concepts among chemistry students. It is important to understand about nanotechnology because it will affect the ability to apply knowledge in practical scenarios, including industrial fields. Employing a quasi-experimental design with a one-group pre-test and post-test approach, thirteen purposively selected students participated in the study. Data collection involved pre and post-tests using a set of seventeen multiple-choice questions to assess students' knowledge across four areas which consists of nanotechnology, nanomaterials, nanomedicine, and cancer. Statistical analysis utilizing SPSS 27.0 included descriptive statistics, normality tests, and a paired sample t-test. Findings revealed a significant improvement in post-test scores (M = 14.3846) compared to pre-test scores (M = 7.6923), with a smaller standard deviation and a highly significant p-value (< 0.001). This indicates the effectiveness of MyNanoria mobile applications in enhancing students' comprehension of nanotechnology in chemistry. The considerable effect size (r² = 0.8889) underscores the practical significance of this improvement. Consequently, this study supports the use of mobile applications like MyNanoria as valuable tools in teaching complex scientific concepts, which emphasize the need for ongoing exploration and development of technology-driven educational strategies to optimize learning outcomes in the field of nanotechnology.

Innovation And Chemical Entrepreneurship: Chemistry Learning Motivation Booster

Nur Jahan Ahmad — 2024-06-30

Chemistry is widely regarded as one of the most challenging STEM disciplines for students pursuing further education in the science stream. Currently, the attrition rate in the field of chemistry is significant, despite the substantial impact that knowledge of chemistry has on enhancing our way of life. A strong inclination towards learning is crucial, as it will drive students to engage in passionate study and guarantee their perseverance in the subject. This study focuses on the effect of an intervention that combines innovation and chemical entrepreneurship on students' learning motivation in chemistry. To assess the students' level of enthusiasm to learn, a pre-test and post-test consisting of 25 statements were conducted before and after the module was implemented, with a two-month gap between the two tests. There were about 60 pre-university students who participated in this study, which used quasi-experimental design research. The data analysis revealed a statistically significant difference in the post-test scores between the treatment group (M = 72.93, SD = 1.230) and the control group (M = 67.33, SD = 3.407), t(29) = 9.131, p > 0.05 (two-tailed). An increase in learning motivation in the treatment group suggests that innovation and chemical entrepreneurship boost student engagement and interest in learning chemistry.

Asking Phase on How to Land to The Moon: Engineering Design Process (EDP) For STEM Education

NURHAYANI ROMEO — 2024-06-30

STEM education is important for the twenty-first-century student, and there are several challenges that educators face when it comes to implementing it. One of the greatest challenges in implementing STEM education in schools is addressing the misconceptions and stereotypes that surround these subjects. Some people, even teachers, believe that STEM subjects are too difficult or only suitable for certain students. This can create barriers to participation and discourage students from pursuing their interests in these fields. Theory based on Social Constructivism is the central pillar in the discussion of this article, and it focuses on the Asking Phase in Engineering Design Process (EDP). Students are required to identify the needs and constraints when university students apply the Asking Phase in one of the Engineering Design Process in a parachute activity with the title Landing to the Moon. There are four questions involved namely, how does students discuss on the main goal of the activity, resources that they have, needs or challenges to be considered, and the available resources that can overcome the challenges and achieve their goals. A case study has been designed and the method of selecting respondents is through cluster sampling, which is to choose seven groups of Science Education students at public universities in Selangor. The results of the study showed that four (4) aspects of achievement are required for the goal of the project, three (3) main resources were chosen to start the project, eight (8) challenges need to be considered, and nine (9) ways to overcome the challenges and to ultimately achieve the project.