Learning Difficulties in Biochemistry: Student Perspectives and Emerging Trends

Authors

  • Siti Imroatus Sa'adah Doctoral Study Program of Chemistry Education, Faculty of Mathematics and Science, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Jl. Colombo, 55281, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0009-0007-2273-5373
  • Annisa Mamluaturrahmatika Doctoral Study Program of Chemistry Education, Faculty of Mathematics and Science, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Jl. Colombo, 55281, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0001-2231
  • Aisyatur Radhwa Marpaung Doctoral Study Program of Chemistry Education, Faculty of Mathematics and Science, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Jl. Colombo, 55281, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0009-0004-5317-7085
  • Retno Arianingrum Department of Chemistry Education, Faculty of Mathematics and Science, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Jl. Colombo, 55281, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2905-7222
  • Sri Atun Department of Chemistry Education, Faculty of Mathematics and Science, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Jl. Colombo, 55281, Indonesia https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6225-4255
  • Fajar Naqsyahbandi Graduate Institute of Organic and Polymeric Materials, National Taipei University of Technology, Taipei 10608, Taiwan, Province of China https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6878-0208

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.15575/jtk.v10i2.46883

Keywords:

bibliometrics, biochemistry learning difficulties, blended learning, flipped classroom, surveys

Abstract

This study analyzes students’ learning difficulties in understanding biochemistry concepts, materials, and processes through a survey, and examines bibliometric patterns of biochemistry learning models and methods to identify potential alternative solutions. A descriptive research design was employed, combining survey methods and bibliometric analysis. The survey was conducted with 82 fourth-semester students of the Chemistry Study Program, including Class B (48 students) and Class E (34 students). Data were collected using an open-ended questionnaire and analyzed descriptively and qualitatively. In parallel, a bibliometric analysis of scientific articles on biochemistry learning difficulties was performed using VOSviewer software, identifying dominant sub-themes such as learning models, learning methods, and biochemistry education. The survey results indicate that students experience the greatest difficulties in protein biosynthesis (82%), lipid metabolism (55%), enzymes (53%), protein metabolism (50%), and carbohydrate metabolism (45%). These findings highlight challenges with metabolic pathways and molecular structures, emphasizing the need for visualization-based learning media. Additionally, the bibliometric analysis suggests that flipped classroom and blended learning approaches have strong potential as innovative strategies to address these difficulties. The study concludes with recommendations for future research focused on the development and evaluation of such approaches in biochemistry education.

Author Biographies

Siti Imroatus Sa'adah, Doctoral Study Program of Chemistry Education, Faculty of Mathematics and Science, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Jl. Colombo, 55281

Doctoral Study Program of Chemistry Education, Faculty of Mathematics and Science, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Jl. Colombo, 55281, Indonesia

Annisa Mamluaturrahmatika, Doctoral Study Program of Chemistry Education, Faculty of Mathematics and Science, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Jl. Colombo, 55281

Doctoral Study Program of Chemistry Education, Faculty of Mathematics and Science, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Jl. Colombo, 55281, Indonesia

Aisyatur Radhwa Marpaung, Doctoral Study Program of Chemistry Education, Faculty of Mathematics and Science, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Jl. Colombo, 55281

Doctoral Study Program of Chemistry Education, Faculty of Mathematics and Science, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Jl. Colombo, 55281, Indonesia

Retno Arianingrum, Department of Chemistry Education, Faculty of Mathematics and Science, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Jl. Colombo, 55281

Departement of Chemistry Education, Faculty of Mathematics and Science, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Jl. Colombo, 55281, Indonesia

Sri Atun, Department of Chemistry Education, Faculty of Mathematics and Science, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Jl. Colombo, 55281

Departement of Chemistry Education, Faculty of Mathematics and Science, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Jl. Colombo, 55281, Indonesia

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Published

2025-12-25

How to Cite

Sa'adah, S. I., Mamluaturrahmatika, A., Marpaung, A. R., Arianingrum, R., Atun, S., & Naqsyahbandi, F. (2025). Learning Difficulties in Biochemistry: Student Perspectives and Emerging Trends. JTK (Jurnal Tadris Kimiya), 10(2), 181–193. https://doi.org/10.15575/jtk.v10i2.46883

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