Animated Concept Cartoons as a Starter for Cognitive Conflict in Online Science Learning: A Case of Circular Motion

Abstract

Before taking formal science education, learners usually construct preconceptions based on their daily life experiences, many of which are scientifically unacceptable misconceptions. In formal science learning, new concepts often contradict these misconceptions. To correct a misconception, it is first needed to create dissatisfaction about it by initiating cognitive conflict. This study aims to create an animated concept cartoon about circular motion and evaluate its usability to start cognitive conflict about centrifugal force misconception in online learning. This is a one-group quasi-experimental study whose participants are 110 undergraduate students with non-science backgrounds. An animated concept cartoon about circular motion and an online data collection instrument were developed and implemented for the participants. Results showed that half of the participants might be considered to be in a status of cognitive conflict after reading the animated concept cartoon. In addition, participants' overall satisfaction with the animated concept cartoon was found to be relatively high. Participants' satisfaction with the animated concept cartoon was equal for students with and without cognitive conflict. In the context of these findings, the animated concept cartoon may be considered an enjoyable and useful learning activity to initiate cognitive conflict in online science learning.

Using STEM-Based 3D-Multimedia to Improve Students' Critical Thinking Skills in Uniform Circular Motion

“…In the previous study, there are similar kinds of learning media that have been used, such as STEM-based learning video (Putri & Saehana, 2021), web-based laboratory for uniform circular motion (Yohandri et al, 2022), and cartoon animation of uniform circular motion (Ozdemir, 2022). The study on the use of STEM-based learning videos did not discuss the improvement of students' CTS, but the improvement of students' conceptual understanding (Putri & Saehana, 2021).…”

“…The web-based laboratory for uniform circular motion study did not mention the effect of the implementation of the media on learning activity (Yohandri et al, 2022). Meanwhile, the study on the use of cartoon animation of uniform circular motion only discusses that it can initiate students' cognitive conflict without further discussing the students' CTS (Ozdemir, 2022). Therefore, a research on the effect of (Meltzer, 2002).…”