ANALYSIS OF THE CAUSES OF DIFFICULTIES FACED BY PHYSICS EDUCATION STUDENTS IN ANSWERING QUESTIONS ON ROTATIONAL DYNAMIC EQUILIBRIUM

Abstract

This study aims to analyse the difficulties faced by Physics Education students in answering questions on the topics of equilibrium and rotational dynamics. The study employs a qualitative descriptive approach with a quantitative component in the form of an analytical test comprising six items. The study population comprised all 305 Physics Education students at the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Syiah Kuala University, with a sample of 58 students currently taking the ‘School Physics Studies II’ course. Data were collected through essay tests and documentation, then analysed based on sub-topics and causes of difficulty, which were classified into five main categories: mastery of basic mathematics and trigonometry; lecturers’ delivery of material; difficulty in reading and analysing diagrams; insufficient mastery of theory; and the complexity of the material. The research results indicate that the dominant factor causing students’ difficulties is an inability to read and analyse diagrams (33.75%), particularly in the sub-topics of equilibrium of rigid bodies and rotational dynamics. These difficulties are also influenced by limited mastery of theoretical concepts and difficulties in determining the appropriate formulae. These findings underscore the importance of learning strategies that emphasise the strengthening of visual representation skills, conceptual analysis, and problem-solving skills to enhance students’ understanding of the equilibrium and rotational dynamics material.