Whats wrong with cookbook experiment? a case study of its impacts toward learning outcomes of pre-service physics teachers

Cookbook experiment is familiar type of experiment in which students have to follow some procedures to carry out a practicum in laboratory. Due to its easiness, not only students in high school but also students in college recognized this. However, there is no clear role of cookbook experiment toward learning outcomes of pre-service physics teachers. This study investigates the impact of cookbook experiment toward learning outcomes. A single case study was carried out in one private university in east Indonesia in which all participants were students from physics department. The finding results reveals that cookbook experiment was used almost eight years. This affected two pivotal aspects of students: achievement of cognitive learning ability and students' interest toward learning process. In these aspects context, the cookbook experiment did not facilitate students who are pre-service physics teachers to construct and strengthen deep understanding, to make a joyful and meaningful learning process, and to flourish the diverse skills needed by students such as higher order thinking skills. This article indeed presents a consideration of the implication of physics practicum in Indonesia in deep insight and wider context.