p-Index From 2021 - 2026
6.268
P-Index
Claim Missing Document
Check
Articles

Unlocking the Potential of Python-Based Simulations: Understanding the Needs and Expectations of Future Physics Educators Apit Fathurohman; Esti Susiloningsih; Hadi Hadi
Journal of Mathematics Science and Computer Education Vol 6, No 1 (2026): MAY 2026
Publisher : Universitas Lambung Mangkurat

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.20527/jmscedu.v6i1.18648

Abstract

Teaching wave phenomena and optics remains challenging due to their abstract and highly visual nature. Pre-service physics teachers often struggle to form accurate mental representations, which hinders conceptual understanding. This study examined the needs, learning challenges, and expectations of future physics educators regarding Python-based simulations for learning optical waves to support conceptual understanding through dynamic visualization, interactive parameter exploration, and multiple representations of wave phenomena. A convergent parallel mixed-methods design was employed, integrating course-task analysis and a needs-assessment form with classroom observations and semi-structured interviews involving 60 third-semester physics education students at a state university in Indonesia. The novelty of this study lies in its integration of students’ conceptual difficulties, technological readiness, and simulation expectations as a foundation for designing Python-based optical wave simulations tailored to physics teacher education. Quantitative findings showed that many students relied on procedural calculation without adequate conceptual explanation and experienced difficulties in interpreting interference and diffraction phenomena. Students strongly preferred dynamic visualizations and stepwise schematic explanations, while many also emphasized the importance of adjustable visual parameters and multiple representations in simulations. Qualitative findings highlighted expectations for slow-motion visualization, comparative parameter exploration, and introductory tutorial support. The study concludes that understanding students’ perspectives is critical to designing effective educational simulations that enhance conceptual understanding and improve learning of abstract optical wave concepts.
Co-Authors Abdul Tahir Abidin Pasaribu Adikara, Fahmi Surya Agustav, Faizal Ahmad Fali Oklilas Ali Mustadi Andika, Windi Dwi Antony, Muhammad Khoirul Apit Fathurohman Ardiyah Arita Marini Aslamiya, Putri Zasa ASNIMAR ASNIMAR, ASNIMAR Astika, Ruri Tria Astuti, Nopri Atika Susanti Awaliya, Nabila Azhar Azhar Budiansyah, Budiansyah Diah Kartika Sari Diah, Diah Ulfah Ningrum Diyana Hafizah Dwi Cahaya Nurani Edi Setiyo Edi Setiyo Eko Satria S Eli Oktaviani Erina Kiranti Erni Erni Fachry Abda El Rahman Fahmi Surya Adikara Fahmi Surya, Adikira Faiz, Muhammad Haekal Fandawa, Roby Faizal Fathia, Najlatul Fatia Anta Riska Fauziyah Fauziyah Febriansyah Farma Febriyani Eka Saputri Firizal, Harlin Hadi Hadi Hadi Hadi Hafizah, Diyana Handini, Yusi Safirah Hasika, Rea Helisa, Intan Putri Hendrajaya - Henny Helmi Henny Helmi Herawati, Silviana Herpandi . Hilda Agustina Jumadi, Riduan Suma Kistiono Kistiono Kistiono Kistiono Laihat Leni Marlina Lintang Auliya Kurdiati M. Fatih Fathurohman Magdalena Vianty Maharani, Siti Dewi Mansur, Nabilah Maula, Dela Hidayatul Ma’rufah, Ulil Mochamad Syaifudin, Mochamad Mohamad Syarif Sumantri Muhamad Akbar Muhammad Redho Romli Argo Muhammad Yusuf Murniati . Nabilah Mansur Najlatul Fathia Nova Lingga Pitaloka Nurdin Kamil Nurrohmah, Ristika Dian pulungan, marwan Putri, Anesa Merlinda Raharjo, Makmun Ramadhan, Anugrah Agung Ramadhan, Muhammad Rizki Rani Mega Putri Rizaldi, Imam Rohedi, Ali Yunus Rosyada, Dini Alya Rudi Hermawan Rudi Hermawan Ruri Tria Astika Rusmiarti, Rusmiarti Safitri, Nisrina Samsuryadi Samsuryadi Saparini Saparini Seira, Erazando Alfa Setiono, Agus Setyaaji, Primayoga Harsana Siahaan, Sarifah Sintiya, Putri Siti Dewi Maharani Sudadi Sukemi Sukemi Suratmi Suratmi Suratmi Suratmi, Suratmi suroso, amat Susanto, Ilham Arya Syarifuddin Utami, Cindy Putri Utami, Latisya Vinencia Ika Indralin Yoiceta Vanda, Yoiceta Yono Hadi Pramono Yulius Luturmas Zona Anggraini