Students’ Needs Analysis for the Development of a Research-Based Practicum Guide on the Topic of Matter and Its Changes

Fitria Sagita (Universitas Bengkulu)
M. Lutfi Firdaus (Universitas Bengkulu, Indonesia)
Euis Nursa'adah (Universitas Bengkulu, Indonesia)

Jurnal Saintifik
Vol. 24 No. 3 (2026): SEPTEMBER

This study aims to describe the results of a needs analysis of seventh-grade junior high school students regarding the development of a research-based practicum guide on the topic of Matter and Its Changes. A descriptive quantitative approach was employed through a closed-ended questionnaire distributed online to 149 students from three schools in Bengkulu Province, covering six aspects: the learning process, interest in the material, teaching material conditions, smartphone use, group work habits, and preferences for a practicum guide. Data were analyzed descriptively by calculating the percentage of responses for each item. The results show that science learning remains dominated by lecture methods (59.7%), students experience difficulty memorizing scientific terms (42.3%), and only 49.0% could identify colour change as an example of a chemical change. Students showed high interest in contextual learning (96.0%) and the local Batik Besurek culture (94.7%), and required teaching materials that explain concepts simply (71.8%). In group work, 34.2% of students reported being hindered by members who did not contribute. These findings indicate the need for a contextual, simple practicum guide that structurally trains students' collaboration skills.