Ian Yulianti, Mei Suhantoro, Budi Astuti, D.P. Ngurah Made, Masturi, D.R. Fifin, Nishfa Mufatihah, Itthipon Jeerapan
This study explores the development of teaching aids designed to enhance students’ scientific literacy, with a focus on the topic of light refraction. The teaching aids incorporate two types of waveguide modules: one with variations in core structure and another with variations in core refractive index. The study employed a research and development (R&D) approach using a 3D model. This study employed a quasi-experimental design using a pretest–posttest control group model, involving both an experimental class and a control class to compare the effectiveness of the developed teaching aid. The developed apparatus is intended for use in senior high schools (SMA) and vocational high schools (SMK) with a focus on engineering and applied physics. It serves as an interactive and contextual learning medium to help students understand both basic and advanced optics concepts (such as refraction, refractive index, and total internal reflection) in an engaging and meaningful way. Feasibility testing indicated that the teaching aids are suitable for use in educational settings, with an expert validity score averaging 87.5% and a small-scale feasibility score averaging 83.5%. The statistical analysis revealed a significant difference between the experimental and control groups, with the experimental group achieving higher post-test scores. The large effect size (partial η2 = 0.2749) for the learning group and very large effect (partial η2 = 0.6625) for test type indicate that the integration of the waveguide effectively enhanced students’ conceptual understanding and learning outcomes. In conclusion, the developed teaching aids offer a viable solution for improving students’ scientific literacy skills in the context of light refraction. © 2026 World Scientific Publishing Company.
Physics Study Program, Universitas Negeri Semarang, Central Java, Indonesia; Division of Physical Science, Faculty of Science, Prince of Songkla University, Songkhla, Hat Yai, 90110, Thailand
