Diagnosis Miskonsepsi Siswa pada Konsep Suhu, Kalor, dan Pemuaian sebagai Dasar Pengembangan Modul IPA SMP

Misconceptions are incorrect understandings of concepts as recognised by experts. This study aims to analyse junior high school students’ misconceptions on temperature, heat, and expansion using the Three-Tier Test diagnostic tool. The research involved 115 Grade VII and VIII students from public and private junior high schools in Burneh, Bangkalan. A descriptive quantitative approach was applied to classify students into three categories: knowing the concept, misconceptions, and not knowing the concept. The instrument was a three-stage test consisting of 10 multiple-choice questions, reasons, and confidence levels. The findings showed that misconceptions among public junior high school students reached 66.78% (high category), while in private schools the level was 59% (medium category). These differences may stem from several factors, including variations in teaching methods, availability of learning facilities, the effectiveness of instructional media, students’ motivation, and their involvement in the learning process. This study highlights the need for more interactive strategies and effective media that emphasise students’ active role in learning. Addressing misconceptions is essential to improve the quality of science education at the secondary school level.