Introducing an arithmetic sequence using realistic mathematics education principles

Abstract

An arithmetic sequence is one of algebra topics introduced for grade VIII students in Indonesian mathematics curriculum. The question is how do we design a learning material on this topic so that students understand it meaningfully? This study therefore aims to design a learning material for introducing the arithmetic sequence. To do this, we used a design research method, particularly the phase of preliminary design with the following three steps. First, we carried out a literature study on the theory of Realistic Mathematics Education (RME) and a limited observation on Indonesian mathematics textbooks on the topic of arithmetic sequence. Second, we designed a learning material for the topic of the arithmetic sequence according to the RME theory and the Indonesian mathematics textbooks. The RME theory was used because it provides guidance for designing meaningful learning activities. Finally, we made predictions of students’ thinking process to produce a ready-use learning material for the teaching experiment. The learning material, as the result of this study, included a learning sequence and corresponding predictions of students’ thinking process for the topic of arithmetic sequence. We consider that the learning material is more meaningful to be implemented in the learning and teaching process.