Journal of Authentic Research
Vol. 4 No. 2 (2025): December

Analyzing Conceptual Understanding of Work and Energy: Insights for Improving Physics Instruction

Sangkala, Nur Rahmah (Unknown)
Yusal, Yulianti (Unknown)
Annam, Syarful (Unknown)
Rahmadani, Amalia (Unknown)
Alfatih, Ainun Najib (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
02 Dec 2025

Abstract

This study aimed to analyse university students’ conceptual understanding of Work and Energy. A qualitative descriptive approach was applied to 36 undergraduate students enrolled in the Fundamentals of Science course at Universitas Negeri Makassar during the 2025/2026 academic year. Data were collected through a written assessment consisting of eight multiple choice and one short-answer question targeting both basic and higher-order concepts. Results show that students demonstrated strong understanding of Work concepts, particularly the relationship between force, displacement, and work. However, their grasp of Energy – especially energy transformation and conservation – was limited. The average score was 75.61%, with moderate variability and a negatively skewed distribution. These findings indicate that while procedural understanding is well developed, conceptual integration remains weak. The study recommends the use of inquiry-based and representational learning strategies to strengthen students’ conceptual reasoning in Work and Energy.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jar

Publisher

Subject

Earth & Planetary Sciences Education Public Health Social Sciences Other

Description

Journal of Authentic Research (ISSN. 2828-3724) is an open-access journal that published by Lembaga Penelitian dan Pemberdayaan Masyarakat (LITPAM). This journal publishes research papers in the field of social science and natural science. Journal of Authentic Research publish twice a year ...