The effectiveness of online courses in the cluster of physiology courses in the department of biology UNESA during the Covid-19 pandemic period

In order to break the chain of the spread of COVID-19, the chancellor of Surabaya State University (UNESA) has the policy to carry out all courses in the online form. However, the implementation of online courses depends on both lecturers' and students' ability and capacity, which naturally influences learning achievement effectiveness. This study aimed to map online course implementation's effectiveness during the COVID-19 pandemic in the cluster of physiology courses (Plant Physiology, Animal Physiology, Phytohormones, Plant Diseases, Biochemistry, Oncology, Anatomy, and Human Physiology, and Nutrition-Psychotropic) in the Biology Department. The criteria to be used to decide online courses' effectiveness was the course's learning outcomes achievement. This descriptive study used a qualitative approach with the research subjects being lecturers and students in the physiology cluster courses. Data were obtained by using questionnaire instruments and data of student learning outcomes. The results showed that the effectiveness of online course implementation in the physiology cluster in terms of student achievement was excellent because it was supported by lecturers' various efforts to surpass using various online learning modes. In addition, detailed recommendations related to the implementation of online courses for the physiology cluster so that these courses' learning outcomes could be carried out effectively. © 2023 Author(s).

Improving students' creative thinking skills through google classroom assisted GO_KAR model during the Covid-19 pandemic

The preliminary study results showed that in general, the creative thinking skill of Junior High School students in Bangkalan, Madura was low. Meanwhile, the learning models that are often used by teachers are Problem Based Learning and Discovery Learning. The researchers intend to develop the GO_KAR model, an innovation of the two learning models mentioned previously. This study aimed to describe the content validity and the GO_KAR learning model's construct, which was developed to improve Junior High School students' creative thinking skills. This study used Focus Group Discussion (FGD) as a method of data collection validation. The validity of the GO_KAR learning model is assessed from the aspects of content validity and construct validity. The validation of experts through FGD showed that the GO_KAR model is in a very valid category to improve students' creative thinking skills. The GO_KAR model can be implemented in the learning process to enhance Junior High School students' creative thinking skills in a science subject. © International Research Publication House.