Exploration of student’s understanding of distance and displacement concept

Abstract

Abstract This study aims to explore students’ understanding of the kinematics, especially in the concepts of distance and displacement. This survey research involved 21 first-year physics students that registered in the odd semester of the 2019-2020 Physics Education Program at Universitas Kanjuruhan Malang. Justification of students’ understanding of kinematics concept is done by analyzing their responses to multiple choice questions, evaluating their arguments in answering the test items, and also through a series of individual interviews. With a mixed-method approach, the data are analyzed quantitatively and simultaneously as well as qualitatively. The result shows that about 42,8% of new students 2019-2020 understanding of displacement and distance concept, and the other have shallow understandings and even misconceptions. Exploration of understanding the concepts of distance and displacement can be used as reference material and consideration for educators to develop appropriate, measurable, and efficient learning strategies.