A New Approach in Science Education: Project-based Visual Stimulus Media to Practice Life Skills and Understanding of Biological Concepts in Deaf Students

Abstract

This research aims to develop visual stimulus media using the instructional development model developed by Thiagarajan, known as the Four Component Instructional Design Model. The purpose of this research is to produce valid, practical, and effective visual stimulus media to support Project-Based Learning (PjBL) in training life skills and mastery of biology concepts for deaf students. Visual stimulus media supporting Project-Based Learning (PjBL) has been declared suitable for use in biology learning for deaf students. Its validity is based on assessments conducted by experts, including material experts, media experts, and practitioners in the field of biology education. The designed media meets the criteria for content and visual appearance and is appropriate to the needs and characteristics of deaf students. This media is effective in improving life skills and understanding of biology concepts in deaf students. The developed stimulus media has proven effective as a support for Project-Based Learning (PjBL). This is evident in its ease of use by teachers and students in the SMALB (Special School for the Deaf) environment. This media facilitates the biology learning process and can bridge the gap in information and understanding abstract concepts for deaf students. Visual stimulus media is effective, as evidenced by improvements in students' life skills and biology concept comprehension test scores. This media is highly effective in supporting Project-Based Learning (PjBL) because it can increase student active engagement, support collaborative project activities, and present biology material in a visual and contextual manner, which is appropriate to the characteristics of students with hearing impairments.