STUDENTS’ UNDERSTANDING OF ALKANES IN ORGANIC CHEMISTRY I: A CASE STUDY AT FEH-UNTL IN 2026
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.51878/cendekia.v6i4.16129Keywords:
kimia organik, alkana, pemahaman konseptual, pembelajaran, mahasiswa universitas, Timor-LesteAbstract
The teaching and learning of Organic Chemistry requires students to go beyond memorizing rules and develop conceptual understanding, interpretation skills, and the ability to apply knowledge in different situations. This study aimed to analyze the comprehension of fourth-semester students in the Department of Chemistry Teaching, Faculty of Education and Humanities, National University Timor Lorosa'e (FEH-UNTL), regarding alkane concepts, with particular attention to nomenclature, structural identification, molecular formulas, and bond-line representations. The study was conducted in 2026 using a descriptive design that integrated quantitative and qualitative data obtained through a written test, observation, and semi-structured interviews. The population consisted of 69 students who had previously studied the alkane content. Since the population comprised fewer than 100 students, all 69 students were included using total sampling. The results of the written test indicated an average comprehension index of 75.01%, classified as good comprehension according to the scale used in the study. Of the responses, 47.8% were classified as very good, 31.0% as sufficient, and 21.2% as poor. The qualitative findings indicated that students used individual review, peer interaction, and digital resources to support their learning, although difficulties persisted in nomenclature and the interpretation of certain structures. It is concluded that the students demonstrated generally good comprehension of alkane concepts, but specific difficulties in nomenclature and structural representation require further reinforcement through systematic learning activities.
ABSTRAK
Pengajaran dan pembelajaran Kimia Organik mengharuskan mahasiswa melampaui sekadar menghafal aturan dan mengembangkan pemahaman konseptual, keterampilan interpretasi, serta kemampuan menerapkan pengetahuan dalam berbagai situasi. Studi ini bertujuan menganalisis pemahaman mahasiswa semester keempat di Departemen Pengajaran Kimia, Fakultas Pendidikan dan Humaniora, Universitas Nasional Timor Lorosa'e (FEH-UNTL), mengenai konsep alkana, dengan perhatian khusus pada nomenklatur, identifikasi struktural, rumus molekuler, dan representasi garis ikatan. Studi ini dilakukan pada tahun 2026 dengan desain deskriptif yang mengintegrasikan data kuantitatif dan kualitatif yang diperoleh melalui tes tertulis, observasi, dan wawancara semi-terstruktur. Populasi terdiri dari 69 mahasiswa yang sebelumnya mempelajari kandungan alkana. Karena populasi kurang dari 100 mahasiswa, semua 69 mahasiswa dimasukkan menggunakan total sampel. Hasil tes tertulis menunjukkan indeks pemahaman rata-rata sebesar 75,01%, diklasifikasikan sebagai pemahaman baik menurut skala yang digunakan dalam studi. Dari tanggapan, 47,8% diklasifikasikan sebagai sangat baik, 31,0% sebagai cukup, dan 21,2% sebagai buruk. Temuan kualitatif menunjukkan bahwa siswa menggunakan tinjauan individu, interaksi dengan teman sebaya, dan sumber daya digital untuk mendukung pembelajaran mereka, meskipun kesulitan tetap ada dalam nomenklatur dan interpretasi struktur tertentu. Disimpulkan bahwa siswa menunjukkan pemahaman konsep alkana yang umumnya baik, tetapi kesulitan spesifik dalam nomenklatur dan representasi struktural memerlukan penguatan lebih lanjut melalui aktivitas pembelajaran sistematis.
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