Students’ Conceptual Difficulties in Understanding Maps and Scales: An Exploratory Descriptive Study

Rahma Aulia Fithri; Najma Nur Mawaddah; Nurul Azmi; Mei Vita Romadon Ningrum

doi:10.51276/edu.v7i1.1567

Authors

Rahma Aulia Fithri Universitas Mulawarman
Najma Nur Mawaddah Universitas Mulawarman
Nurul Azmi Universitas Mulawarman
Mei Vita Romadon Ningrum Universitas Mulawarman

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.51276/edu.v7i1.1567

Keywords:

Conceptual Understanding , Learning Difficulties , Maps , Scales

Abstract

This study aims to describe students' conceptual difficulties in understanding maps and scales in geography learning. The study uses a qualitative approach with an exploratory descriptive model. Data were collected through in-depth interviews, classroom learning observations, and analysis of student work documents. The Research subjects consisted of ten Year 10 students from Samarinda State Senior High School 8, who were purposively selected to represent variations in academic ability and learning characteristics. The study's results showed three main categories: difficulties understanding the concept of scale, difficulties converting distance units, and difficulties interpreting and reading maps. These difficulties were influenced by the weak connection between conceptual understanding, spatial representation, and students' real experiences. The findings emphasise the need for visual-based contextual learning supported by interactive digital media. Implicitly, this study provides a basis for teachers and curriculum developers to sustainably strengthen students' spatial literacy and geospatial thinking skills. These results are relevant for further Research examining the relationship between conceptual difficulties and innovative learning strategies in the secondary school context.

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Author Biographies

Rahma Aulia Fithri, Universitas Mulawarman

Was born in Sri Mulyo, 9 December 2003. A student who is currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Geography Education at Mulawarman University.

Najma Nur Mawaddah, Universitas Mulawarman

Was born in Ujungpandang, 12 November 1991. She is a lecturer in the Geography Education Study Programme at the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Mulawarman University. She obtained a Bachelor's degree in Geography Education from Makassar State University and a Master's degree in Population and Environmental Education, specialising in Geography Education, from Makassar State University.

Nurul Azmi, Universitas Mulawarman

Was born in Camba Maros, 29 September 1993. She is a lecturer in the Geography Education Study Programme at the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Mulawarman University. She obtained her Bachelor's and Master's degrees in Geography Education from Makassar State University.

Mei Vita Romadon Ningrum, Universitas Mulawarman

Was born in Pasir, 13 May 1988. She is a lecturer in the Geography Education Study Programme at the Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Mulawarman University. She obtained a Bachelor's degree in Education from Sebelas Maret University in Surakarta and a Master's degree in Education from Yogyakarta State University.

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