The Importance of Developing Statistical Physics Lecture Models in Improving Mental Models and Problem Solving Skills

Abstract

This study aims to highlight the importance of innovating the Statistical Physics lecture model to enhance students’ mental models and problem-solving skills. A descriptive research approach was employed, utilizing survey to collect data from 76 Physics students and four lecturers at a university in Padang city. The finding reveals that while active learning methods such as lectures, discussions, and presentations are frequently used, students continue to struggle with understanding abstract material and differentiating between macroscopic and microscopic states. To address these challenges, this paper proposes integrating argumentation-based learning with three levels of representation, which has the potential to facilitate better knowledge construction and problem-solving abilities. The study underscores the need for further research across multiple institutions to validate these findings and explore the broader applicability of the proposed model.