The Impact of Using Digital Cross-Puzzle Learning Media Supported by Eclipse on Students' Learning Outcomes in Science Learning at SMPS Giat Bangun Negeri

Abstract

The study adopted a quantitative, true experimental design using a pretest-posttest control group format. Two sample classes were involved: an experimental class that received the treatment, and a control class that received conventional instruction without any intervention. This design aimed to isolate the independent variable's effect, ensuring any observed changes in learning outcomes could be reliably attributed to the treatment. The study had two objectives: first, to investigate the effect of crossword puzzle media on student learning outcomes, and second, to statistically evaluate the significance of differences between the experimental and control groups' post-test scores. Focusing on sound wave material for Grade VIII students at SMPS Giat Bangun Negeri, the research revealed that the experimental class attained a mean post-test score of 81.96, markedly exceeding the control class's mean of 77.60. This finding indicates that the eclipse-assisted crossword puzzle medium substantially improved student achievement. Furthermore, inferential analysis using a t-test confirmed the statistical significance of these results. The pretest comparison yielded a calculated t-value exceeding the 0.05 significance threshold, confirming no significant initial difference between groups and establishing baseline equivalence. Conversely, the post-test analysis yielded a calculated t-value below 0.05, justifying the rejection of the null hypothesis. It can therefore be confidently concluded that the experimental class performed significantly better than the control class on the post-test, confirming the effectiveness of the instructional treatment