A Preliminary Study of Student’s Initial Technology and Engineering Literacy

Abstract

Job opportunities in the 21 st century require candidates to have skill on critical problem solving, create a creative solution and involve technology and information. Literacy of technology and engineering are important to be emphasized on students so it can prepare them to compete globally and are able to solve 21 st century issues. This research is aimed to describe initial technological and engineering literacy of students of SMP N 6 Purworejo. This research's type is descriptive analysis. Sampling technique which is utilized is random sampling. The populations are students at grade IX of SMP N 6 Purworejo. The data is obtained from test instruments of technology and engineering literacy. The validity and reliability of test instrument are qualitatively analyzed by using Quest application. The score of reliability and estimate is 0.77 which means the test instrument has high reliability. This preliminary research result indicates that 3.1% of students are included in a very poor category, 25% poor category, 34.37% acceptable category, 31.25% good category, and 6.25% very good category. Meanwhile, result of technology and engineering of students for each indicator is divided into 3 categories, which are three indicators indicate low category, one indicator is very low and the other is moderate. A learning which involves design and technique process should be attuned to improve students' critical thinking and problem solving skill. Besides, natural science learning by involving real experience on principles of technology will make students to literate in technology and engineering.