Implementation of project-based learning to enhance the creativity of prospective physics teachers in generating learning media viewed from cognitive styles

Abstract

Cognitive style is related to information processing and individual preferences for engaging in the learning process. Therefore, it is crucial to consider the role of cognitive styles - field dependent (FD) and field independent (FI) - as a foundation for implementing a specific learning model in the classroom. This study aims to examining the significant role of cognitive styles, specifically FD and FI, in the context of implementing Project-based Learning (PjBL) for Prospective Physics Teachers (PPT) in generating learning media. The research employed a quantitative approach utilizing an experimental design known as the one-group pretest-posttest design. The study focused on a sample of 40 PPTs from a university located in Mataram City, Indonesia. The two main instruments used in data collection for this research were the Group Embedded Figures Test (GEFT) and the student creativity observation sheet, where the results of both were analyzed descriptively and statistically. The results of the study indicated that the creativity of PPT improves for all cognitive styles after the intervention of the PjBL model. However, the extent of creativity improvement differs for each cognitive style, FD and FI. The PPTs who possess a cognitive style characterized as FD tend to exhibit a more pronounced enhancement in creativity when compared to those who possess an FI cognitive style. The most fundamental finding of the study is that the PjBL model is more suitable for implementation among PPTs with an FD cognitive style in the context of enhancing creativity in generating learning media.