THE EFFECT OF DISCOVERY LEARNING ASSISTED BY DIGITAL WORKSHEETS ON THE EFFECTIVENESS OF PRACTICAL LEARNING IN VOCATIONAL COMPETENCY AT SMK NEGERI 2 SURABAYA

Abstract

In the era of the Industrial Revolution 4.0, vocational high schools (SMKs) are required to continuously innovate in order to provide learning processes that align with advances in digital technology. Practical learning, as a core pillar of vocational education, must be systematically designed to enhance students’ learning skills and overall educational effectiveness. This study aims to analyze the effect of Discovery Learning assisted by digital worksheets developed using Google Forms and Autocrat on the effectiveness of practical learning for Grade XI TKR students at SMK Negeri 2 Surabaya. A quantitative approach was employed using a quasi-experimental design with a nonequivalent control group design. Data analysis included a Shapiro–Wilk normality test (Sig. > 0.05 indicating normal distribution) and hypothesis testing using Welch’s t-test (Robust Test of Equality of Means) due to non-homogeneous variance (Sig. < 0.05). The results of the learning evaluation revealed a Welch’s test significance value of 0.003 (< 0.05), leading to the rejection of the null hypothesis (H₀) and acceptance of the alternative hypothesis (Hₐ). These findings indicate a statistically significant difference in learning outcomes between students who participated in Discovery Learning supported by digital worksheets and those who used worksheet templates. Furthermore, the effect size analysis using Cohen’s d yielded a value of 0.73, categorized as a moderate effect, indicating that the intervention was not only statistically significant but also practically meaningful in improving students’ learning outcomes.