ANALYSIS OF STUDENTS^ COMMUNICATION SKILLS IN SCIENCE LEARNING BASED ON ENGINEERING DESIGN PROCESS STAGES IN SMALL GROUP DISCUSSION
Pramudya Dwi Atistya Putra

Department of Science Education, University of Jember

Abstract

This research aims to enhance students^ scientific communication skills using the stages of the engineering design process (EDP), a focus that has not been extensively explored in previous studies. This qualitative study adopts a case study approach to assess students^ communication skills while solving problems using student worksheets in EDP-based learning. The study involved 12 students-six male and six female-who were in the seventh grade of junior high school, ensuring gender equality in the sample. Data were collected through observation, documentation, and interviews conducted during EDP learning. The data were then reduced and analyzed according to the stages of the EDP and communication skills indicators, followed by drawing inferences from the findings. The results indicate that EDP-based learning facilitates the development of students^ scientific communication skills in science education. The stages of the EDP in problem-solving discussions not only expanded students^ ideas and solutions but also enabled them to evaluate and revise less-than-ideal solutions through productive discussions, thereby enhancing their communication skills. The integration of the EDP to specifically enhance scientific communication skills in science learning is a specific contribution, as previous studies have not extensively explored this focus. Provides actionable insights for educators to design and implement EDP that actively support communication skill.

Keywords: Communication skills, Engineering Design Process, 21st Century Skills

Topic: STEM Education and Technology