Implementing fieldwork based on blended learning using geo-inquiry approach: will it work during the covid-19 pandemic?

Fieldwork is an important part of geography education in many countries. However, little fieldwork-related activities are being observed in Indonesia, specifically at the senior secondary level. In an effort to address this issue, investigators have developed a fieldwork-based blended learning model to be used in the country. This study involved 187 students from three high schools who followed the developed learning model. To measure the effectiveness of the developed model, a correlational analysis that examined the effect of location and session allocation on the test scores of students was used. Questionnaires were distributed to gain insight into the responses of students toward the learning system and qualitative methods were used to capture the learning experiences of these students while using the model. The obtained results show that the grades of the students were significantly affected by location rather than study sessions. Furthermore, students responded positively to the fieldwork-based blended learning model, although traditional classroom learning remained the most preferred option. Interestingly, it was found that students in Indonesia preferred to study with large groups of classmates over smaller groups. These findings confirmed the hypothesis that cultural and religious factors, specifically the concepts of "gotong royong" and "jama'ah" in Islam, respectively, influenced the perceptions of students and group preferences when studying.

Blended Learning Integrated Fieldwork on Fundamentals of Geology Learning During the Covid-19 Pandemic

The purpose of this research was to test the blended learning integrated fieldwork in the Fundamentals of Geology learning. Classroom Action Research (CAR) was used in this study. The research subjects consisted of 32 Grade 10 Mining Geology students of SMK Negeri 1 Binuang in the 2019/2020 academic year. Data analysis was carried out using quantitative descriptive analysis, namely by observing the research data which was then followed by synthesis using a literature review. From the results of research during the Pre-Cycle, it was known that the number of students who met the Minimum Completeness Criteria (KKM) was 18.75%, while in Cycle I it is 84.374%, and Cycle II was 77.78%. These results indicated that there was an increase from Pre-Cycle to Cycle I, but there was a decrease in Cycle I to Cycle II. The results obtained in this CAR showed that blended learning integrated fieldwork has the potential to be effective as a learning model for the Fundamentals of Geology during the COVID-19 Pandemic. Some things that need to be considered so that blended learning integrated fieldwork can be effective in learning is by paying attention to scientific steps during learning, choosing fieldwork locations that are accessible to accessibility and there are communication and internet signals, as well as intensive guidance from the teacher. Regarding the COVID-19 Pandemic, it is also necessary to design integrated blended learning fieldwork that complies with health protocols. © 2021. All Rights Reserved.