Do Students Understand the Concept of Science? Diagnostic Studies of Comprehension in Elementary School

Authors

  • Urmila Umardianti Universitas Lambung Mangkurat
  • Fery Muhammad Firdaus Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta
  • Latifa Putri Ridhaningtyas Universitas Lambung Mangkurat

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37630/jpm.v16i5.5112

Keywords:

Concept Understanding, Science, Diagnostic Studies

Abstract

Science learning in elementary schools plays a crucial role in building students' scientific thinking skills and science literacy from an early age. However, reality shows that students' understanding of science concepts in Indonesia is still low, as reflected in the consistent decline in PISA scores from 2015 to 2022. This study aims to objectively describe the conditions of understanding science concepts of grade IV students in three elementary schools in the Caturtunggal cluster, Sleman. Using a descriptive quantitative approach, data were collected through observation, interviews, and document analysis of 107 students. The results showed that 87% of students had scores below the Minimum Completeness Criteria (KKM), with an average score of only 52.16. Factors indicated related to students' understanding of concepts include the lack of direct scientific learning experience during the COVID-19 pandemic transition period and the limited availability of learning media that are adaptive to their needs. Based on these findings, this study emphasizes the urgency of developing instructional media innovations, especially Student Worksheets (LKPD) which are designed adaptively and relevant to improve mastery of science concepts optimally.

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Published

2026-09-28

How to Cite

Umardianti, U., Firdaus, F. M., & Ridhaningtyas, L. P. (2026). Do Students Understand the Concept of Science? Diagnostic Studies of Comprehension in Elementary School. JURNAL PENDIDIKAN MIPA, 16(5), 2002–2010. https://doi.org/10.37630/jpm.v16i5.5112

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Vol. 16 No. 5 (2026): JURNAL PENDIDIKAN MIPA

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Copyright (c) 2026 Urmila Umardianti, Fery Muhammad Firdaus, Latifa Putri Ridhaningtyas

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