Numeracy literacy ability in atomic wave physics spectrum practicum activities among prospective physics teachers

Abstract

This research aims to determine the level of numeracy literacy skills of prospective physics teachers. This research uses descriptive research with a quantitative approach. The subjects of this research were prospective physics teachers who took part in waves courses and electromagnetic wave spectrum practicums in the physics education study program at Surabaya State University in 2 classes, with 23 people in each class. The instruments used are 3 test questions that measure literacy skills (finding information, interpreting, evaluating) and 8 questions that measure numeracy skills, namely, numeracy, reasoning, and application. The research data was analyzed quantitatively and descriptively. The results of the research showed that variations in the level of numeracy literacy skills before the atomic spectrum practicum activity were in the basic category, with an average of 49.5% of students having answered correctly as many as 46 students, then they were given treatment by carrying out EM wave practicum, the numeracy literacy abilities of students after being given the treatment were in the category requiring special intervention, there were 5 people, in the basic category there were 10 people, in the advanced category there were 18 people. In the very advanced category, there were 7 people. Overall, students have quite good abilities in finding information, interpreting information, evaluating information, and understanding information, which is in the advanced category with a percentage of correct answers of 74.12%, 72.98%, 72.70%, and 71, respectively. At the same time, the indicators of applying information and reasoning are still in the basic category at 32.46%. So, it can be concluded that students’ numeracy literacy skills are quite good. However, several other treatments are still needed to improve literacy and numeracy skills.