The Effect of Using Visual Media Through STAD Cooperative Learning Model on the First Year Students‟ Ability in Problem Solving at SMAN 2 Pangkalan Kerinci

Teacher-centered learning model was assumed as one of some factors caused the students‟ ability in problem solving at SMAN 2 Pangkalan Kerinci low. In order to solve this problem, the researcher tried to use visual media through STAD cooperative learning model. This research was aimed at explaning: (1) the difference between problem solving ability of the students taught by using visual media through STAD cooperative learning model and those taught by using conventional learning model (2) the difference between problem solving ability of the students having high previous ability taught by using visual media through STAD cooperative learning model and those having high previous ability taught by using convensional learning model, (3) the interaction between learning ability and previous knowledge toward the students ability in problem solving. This was a quasi experimental research conducted to the first year students of SMAN 2 Pangkalan Kerinci in academic Year 2011/2012. The sample of this research was taken randomly. To get the data, the researcher administered a tes to sample classes and the data gotten was analyzed by using t-test and two ways anava. The result of data analysis showed that: 1) problem solving ability of the students taught by using visual media through STAD cooperative learning model was higher than that of students taught by using conventional learning model, 2) problem solving ability of the students having high previous ability taught by using visual media through STAD cooperative learning model was higher than that of students having high previous ability taught by using conventional learning model, 3) problem solving ability of the students having low previous ability taught by using visual media through STAD cooperative learning model was higher than that of students having low previous ability taught by using convensional learning, and 4) there was an interaction between learning ability and previous knowledge toward the students ability in problem solving.