Anxiety of Science Education Students in the First Year of Study: Insight from Basic Biology Course
Arini rahmadana, Adi Rahmat

Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Doctoral Programe of natural science of education

Abstract

One of the academic and non-academic factors that result in student difficulties in learning is anxiety which affects how students face the first years of college. This study uses a qualitative descriptive approach that aims to describe the causes of academic anxiety of first-year students in the natural science education study program (IPA). The study population consisted of first-year students in science education study programs at universities located in southwest Papua province taking basic biology courses, represented by public and private universities. A total of (n=27) students used a Likert scale questionnaire containing eleven statement items aimed at identifying the anxiety experienced by students. The survey results showed that out of 27 respondents, 40.74% were in the moderate anxiety category, 37.03% were in the low anxiety category and 22.22% of respondents were in the no anxiety category. Several aspects cause students to experience anxiety, namely anxiety about failure or anxiety about not passing courses, anxiety in facing exams, anxiety about future careers, and anxiety related to the inability to meet family expectations. Anxiety can be reduced with medication and psychological meditation, one of which is mindfulness training, so far several studies have found that mindfulness is an effective way to reduce anxiety.

Keywords: academic stress, Anxiety, Mindfulness

Topic: Biology and Biology Education