Social
studies learning about the utilization of the environment to meet economic
needs is important because it includes geographical topics, such as the
distribution of natural resources, human-environment interactions, and
environmental issues. However, the complexity of the material often makes it
difficult for students to understand and solve problems related to real-life
contexts, so their problem-solving abilities remain suboptimal. Therefore, the
use of the LAPS-Heuristic learning model as an approach allows students to
study the material of natural resource utilization in an economic context
related to their problem-solving skills in real-life situations, while also
stimulating sensitivity and raising awareness of environmental issues in
everyday life. This study aims to determine the effect and significant
improvement in students' problem-solving abilities on the material of utilizing
the surrounding environment to meet economic needs by using the LAPS-Heuristic
Learning Model with grade VIII students at SMP Negeri 63 Surabaya.
This
research employs an experimental technique with a quantitative approach and a
Quasi-Experimental Design research method with a Pretest-Posttest Nonequivalent
Control Group design. The sampling technique used is purposive sampling,
resulting in class VIII-C (experimental group) and VIII-D (control group). To
measure the students' problem-solving abilities, a multiple-choice test
instrument was used. The instrument testing was conducted using validity and
reliability tests. Hypothesis testing involved normality testing, homogeneity
testing, N-Gain testing, paired sample t-tests, and independent sample t-tests.
The results of the study showed that the students' problem-solving
abilities were categorized as moderate, high, and very high, with no students
falling into the low category. Moreover, the use of the LAPS-Heuristic learning
model was quite effective in improving students' problem-solving abilities, as
indicated by the N-Gain score of 0.56, categorized as Average (Moderate) or an
N-Gain percentage of 56%. Furthermore, there was a positive effect between the
use of the LAPS-Heuristic Learning Model and students' problem-solving
abilities, with the results from the Independent Sample T-Test showing a
significance value of 0.006 < 0.05. Additionally, the mean score of 78 was
higher than the mean score of problem-solving abilities after direct learning.
Therefore, the influence and improvement on students' problem-solving abilities
were greater after applying the LAPS-Heuristic learning model.