Senior High School Physics Teachers^ Perceptions and Understanding of Smart Materials Concepts and Their Implementation in Physics Learning
Riser Fahdiran, Dwi Susanti, Slamet Maulana

Physics Education Program Study, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science, Universitas Negeri Jakarta, Jakarta, Indonesia
Physics Education Program Study, Faculty of Mathematics and Natural Science, Universitas Negeri Jakarta, Jakarta, Indonesia
Labschool Cibubur Senior High School, Jl. Raya Hankam Kampus Labschool No. 15-20, Bekasi 17432, West Java, Indonesia

Abstract

Physics education at the secondary level should integrate recent scientific advances, including smart materials concepts increasingly relevant in modern industry and everyday applications. Physics teachers are expected to possess an adequate understanding of contemporary material concepts to deliver innovative, 21st-century-aligned instruction. However, curricula often focus on classical concepts, and many teachers lack sufficient training in smart materials, creating gaps between current materials science developments and classroom instruction. This study examined senior high school physics teachers^ perceptions and conceptual understanding of smart materials while exploring implementation strategies and barriers. Using a mixed-methods descriptive survey, 120 physics teachers from several Indonesian provinces were selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected via Likert-scale questionnaires measuring perceptions, diagnostic conceptual tests assessing understanding, and semi-structured interviews exploring implementation experiences. Findings revealed: (1) 67.5% of teachers held positive perceptions regarding smart materials^ importance, yet only 28.3% felt confident teaching the topic- (2) teachers^ conceptual understanding was low-to-moderate- (3) primary barriers included limited Indonesian-language resources (81%), insufficient institutional training (74%), and absent curriculum guidance (68%). Teachers who participated in professional development training demonstrated 23% higher understanding scores. A substantial gap exists between teachers^ positive perceptions and actual implementation capacity. Sustained professional development programs, contextual teaching modules in Indonesian, and curriculum updates integrating modern material topics are urgently needed to enhance physics education quality and relevance.

Keywords: Smart Materials, Teacher Perception, Conceptual Understanding, Learning Implementation

Topic: Physics Education