Analysis of grade VII students’ learning outcomes for animals classification and sets by using the STEM approach

Abstract

With the global economic system emerging in the 21st century, learning in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) has gained a very important role in increasing the role of a country in the global economy. Therefore, learning in all four fields is focused on the emergence of innovative solutions to a complex contextual problem facing the world today. The purpose of this study was to describe the learning outcomes achieved by students for animal classification in science and set in mathematics after students experienced the learning process with the STEM approach. The Gravemeijer and Cobb design research model used in this study. The research subjects in this study were 34 students of class VII D of SMPN 1 Yogyakarta. The instrument used in this study was a test. In the learning process, to help students understand how the process of classifying animals in science, and how to make sets, determine membership requirements from a set, and write down membership from a set, students were invited to make observations about animal characteristics and animal placement in the Gembiraloka zoo. 65.63% of students could define the meaning of a set, make a set along with the terms of membership, and write down the membership of a set.