Instrument Analysis of Elementary Students' Curiosity on Natural Science Subjects Using the Rasch Model

Abstract

This research is motivated by the lack of curiosity of elementary school students in studying natural science subjects that affect the low quality of student learning. Until now there has been no research that examines the role of dimensions/indicators of curiosity. Thus, research on this matter must be carried out. This research is supported by using the Rasch model as a medium for testing. The purpose of this study is to show a description of the evaluation of curiosity of elementary school students in grades 5 and 6 of science subjects with the Rasch model to measure the accuracy of the instrument. The research participants were 99 participants from schools in Tasikmalaya. Data collection tools in the form of a self-report questionnaire to measure student curiosity. The results of the study were analyzed using the Rasch model and acceptable reliability (Alpha Cronbach = 0.74) was included in either category. Furthermore, the value of Person Reliability is 0.70 as an indicator of the consistency of respondents' answers, including sufficient categories. Because as many as 94 elementary school students in grades 5 and 6 were declared fit, in the sense of giving answers according to ability level. While 5 other students answered less according to their ability level, in the sense of the possibility of guessing an answer or not giving an answer. While the Item Reliability of 0.88 as an indicator of the quality of items in the instrument, is classified as a good category.

Calibration of the science process skills among Malaysian elementary students: A Rasch model analysis

“…Science learning through science process skills was expected to be a vehicle for students to learn about themselves and their natural surroundings and the further prospect of applying science process skills in their daily lives [10]. According to the Malaysian curriculum, the objective of acquiring the science process skills is to help students to be able to Int J Eval & Res Educ ISSN: 2252-8822  ask a question and find the answers in a systematic approach [11]. These skills act as a bridge to connect between previous experience and new experience by organizing and linking the acquired knowledge.…”