Student’s Conceptions of Astronomy in UITM

Abstract

The objective is to determine students’ conceptual understanding on astronomy In Universiti Teknologi Mara (UITM). This study focuses on 120 university students currently enrolling in different courses and educational background in UITM. Respondents involved were students from 4 different faculties such as faculty of education, faculty of pharmacy, faculty of applied science and faculty of health science. This research used a quantitative approach to analyse the data and mainly used a set of questionnaires as the item in gathering the data. Items constructed in the questionnaire probes students’ understanding in astronomy concept. Result findings found among the highest misconception percentage showed based on the analysis are: twenty-one (21) misconception about the astronomy concept are raised in the questionnaire to identify the misconception held by the student in astronomy, the moon to go around the sun in year (69.2%), the shape of the earth is geoid (77.5%), December is the longest daylight period in Australia (75.0%), the earth closer to the sun in summer (79.2%), the sun is red (82.5%), the sun is at the centre of universe (77.5%), star shine by reflected light from the sun (78.3), there is no gravity on the moon (75.0%).  It is concluded that students have low level in understanding astronomy concept and the previous education level does not affect the understanding of astronomy concept. Hence, the research suggested that there shall be more research conducted to identify misconceptions in astronomy among university students across the world. In the future, comprehensive research about astronomy is hoped to help teachers and students to overcome misconceptions in astronomy education in Malaysia.