The exploration of the elementary geometry concepts based on Tabot culture in Bengkulu

Abstract

Geometry’s direct objects were abstract. It was a learning material that was difficult for elementary students. Therefore, learning was needed close to the minds and daily lives of students. One of them was “Tabot” Culture. That was the ethnomatematics approach. The purpose of this research was to explore elementary geometry concepts based on Tabot Culture. We apply an explorative-qualitative approach. The subjects of this study were the makers of the Tabot, elementary students, and elementary mathematics teachers. This was a needs analysis. Activities were carried out through direct observation, documentation, in-depth interviews and focus group discussions. The research instruments were anecdotal direct observation sheets, and interview guides. Data were analysed qualitatively. The results of the study found that the culture of Tabot provides reinforcement of student character that was obeying the principle, thinking logically, critically, working hard, curiosity, independence, confidence. The geometrical concepts that exist in the Tabot culture were the cube, the beam, the pyramid, the prism, the sphere and its elements. Also, understanding of two-dimensional figure. We conclude that Bengkulu Tabot culture can be used as a starting-point for learning the achievement of geometrical concepts and strengthening student character.