Preliminary Research of Mathematics Learning Device Development Based on Realistic Mathematics Education (RME)

Abstract

Based on the preliminary research stage conducted in Public Junior High School (SMPN) 3 Muara Bungo, it is obtained that students’ reasoning ability is low and has yet achieved optimum result. This is due to inappropriate learning device available in which it is yet facilitating the students in improving their mathematics reasoning. Therefore, it is of vital importance to develop learning devices in the form of lesson plan (RPP) and student worksheet (LKPD) based on Realistic Mathematics Education (RME). RME provides more opportunities for the students to be more active in comprehending mathematics concept, think logically, and are able to draw a problem fine conclusion. The purpose of this research is to obtain valid, practical, and effective learning device based on RME for class VII of Junior High School. Research data were collected through observation, interview, document, questionnaire, and mathematical reasoning ability. The research participants are students of class VII SMPN 3 Muaro Bungo. This is a model development research. Plomp model was employed as the development model in this research. There are 3 phases on this model, namely, preliminary research phase, development or prototyping phase, and assessment phase. However, this research focuses only on preliminary research phase. It is including things required to design the expected learning device. The result of preliminary research is 1) students’ mathematical reasoning ability has optimum yet; 2) class VII students are in their transition from elementary school to junior high school level; hence mathematics learning requires concrete learning object or mathematics learning should be linked with their daily life; 3) RPP used provides less support to improve students ability in mathematical reasoning and it provides less opportunities for the students to be more active; 4) students expected that LKPD has to be detail, attractive, fun, and easy to comprehend.