Teaching aids in teaching Civics

 Summary

The article titled "The Effect of the Use of Civics Teaching Aids Media on Students' Understanding" by Nurul Laila, Yunita Hariyani, and Ihwan Firmansyah explores the impact of using visual aids on Civics comprehension among fifth-grade students at UPTD SD Negeri Patenteng 4 in Modung District. The study utilized a quantitative approach with a group of 16 students. Data was collected through observations, tests, questionnaires, and documentation, followed by analysis using various statistical methods, including validity, reliability, and normality tests, as well as a paired sample T-Test.

The study sought to enhance students' understanding of Civics by incorporating media props. Results indicated a significant improvement in comprehension after the introduction of these visual aids. The students' average pre-test scores improved notably in the post-test, highlighting increased understanding. Statistical analysis using SPSS confirmed the effectiveness of teaching aids in improving learning outcomes, showing a substantial positive impact.

In conclusion, the use of visual media in Civics education not only made the learning process more engaging but also enabled students to better grasp abstract concepts. By transforming theoretical content into interactive and visual experiences, students became more actively involved in the learning process, resulting in improved comprehension of their rights and obligations as citizens. The study suggests that using teaching aids is an effective strategy to enhance academic performance, particularly in concept-heavy subjects like Civics.

Implications:

Implications for Educators

The study highlights the effectiveness of using visual aids and interactive media in improving students' understanding of complex topics like Civics. For teachers, this suggests the importance of incorporating diverse teaching methods and materials that engage students actively. Rather than relying solely on lectures, educators can adopt visual aids such as diagrams, videos, and interactive tools to simplify abstract concepts and make lessons more relatable. The findings imply that hands-on learning can significantly increase student engagement and retention, particularly in subjects where conceptual understanding is critical. Educators should, therefore, consider using media props as a regular part of their teaching strategies to foster better learning outcomes.

Implications for Curriculum Developers

Curriculum developers can take note of the significant role that teaching aids play in enhancing the comprehension of abstract concepts. The results indicate that integrating media props into the Civics curriculum can provide students with a more practical and interactive approach to learning. This highlights the need to revise curricula to include well-designed teaching aids that align with the learning objectives of each subject. By doing so, developers can create a more inclusive curriculum that caters to different learning styles, making education more accessible and effective for all students.

Implications for Policymakers

For policymakers, the research underscores the need for investments in educational resources that support the use of teaching aids across schools, particularly in subjects like Civics, which play a crucial role in shaping responsible citizens. Policymakers should promote policies that provide schools with the necessary tools and training to integrate media aids effectively into the classroom. Additionally, continuous professional development for teachers on the use of modern teaching aids should be prioritized to ensure they can utilize these resources to their full potential.

Conclusion

In summary, the study emphasizes that teaching aids can significantly enhance learning experiences by making abstract concepts more concrete and engaging. It encourages educators to adopt more interactive teaching methods, curriculum developers to design programs that integrate teaching aids, and policymakers to support resource allocation for these tools. By addressing these implications, educational systems can create more meaningful learning environments, particularly in subjects that shape students' civic understanding and responsibilities.

Article Title: The Effect of the Use of Civics Teaching Aids Media on Students' Understanding

Authors: Nurul Laila, Yunita Hariyani and Ihwan Firmansyah

Journal: Edunesia : Jurnal Ilmiah Pendidikan                               Publication Year:2024