Analysis of Variations in Students Conceptual Understanding on the Concept of Salt Hydrolysis Using Phenomenography Elsa Vera Nanda, Qoulan Karima, and Tritiyatma Hadinugrahaningsih
Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science, Universitas Negeri Jakarta, Jl. Rawamangun Muka, Jakarta Timur, 13220, Indonesia
Abstract
This study examines the variation of conceptual understanding of students in grade XI MIPA regarding salt hydrolysis through phenomenography. The study, which was conducted at SMA Negeri 58 Jakarta in the 2022/2023 academic year, used qualitative methods and involved 36 students from class XI MIPA A. Data were collected through observation sheets, reflective journals, student worksheets, and interviews, and analyzed using Akerlinds (2005) phenomenographic approach, which includes transcribing interviews, identifying key phrases, categorizing descriptions, providing examples, and organizing the categories into a hierarchy based on their complexity. The results showed four levels of understanding among the students. At the lowest category A, six students only recognized the reaction between salt and water. In category B, three students understood the reaction between salt ions and water ions. Category C included ten students who understood that not all salt ions react with water ions, although they did not fully understand which ions reacted or did not react. The highest understanding, category D, included three students who knew that only ions of weak acids or bases react with water. Most students were in the C category, which indicates a general level of understanding. This study underscores the importance of prior knowledge and strategic learning approaches in mastering the concept of salt hydrolysis.
Keywords: Variations in Students Conceptual, Phenomenography, Salt Hydrolysis
