THE APPLICATION OF DISCOVERY LEARNING ASSISTED BY NARRATIVE PODCASTS TO IMPROVE LEARNING UNDERSTANDING

Abstract

This study examines the low level of students' understanding in learning, particularly in the topic of the History of the Birth of Pancasila at the junior high school level, which indicates the need for improvement through the implementation of more active learning strategies and the utilization of contextual and relevant learning media. Therefore, this study aims to determine the effect of applying the Discovery Learning strategy combined with narrative podcast media on students' level of understanding. This study employed a quantitative approach with a quasi-experimental research design using a Nonequivalent Control Group Design involving two classes (n = 60). Data collection techniques included pretest–posttest and documentation, while the research instruments were tested for validity and reliability. Data analysis was conducted using normality tests, homogeneity tests, N-Gain calculations, and Independent Samples T-Test. The results showed that both groups experienced improvement; however, the experimental class that applied Discovery Learning with narrative podcast media obtained a higher average posttest score (85.37) compared to the control class (80.63), with an average N-Gain score of 0.6853 in the experimental class and 0.5830 in the control class. Furthermore, a statistically significant difference was found (t = 2.270; p = 0.027). The findings imply that the integration of narrative podcast media in the Discovery Learning strategy is effective in improving students' understanding (C2). Therefore, educators are recommended to utilize podcasts as contextual stimuli in exploration-based learning, and future researchers are encouraged to develop other audio-based learning media innovations to enhance the quality of learning.