Mathematical Skills Research Articles

MATHEMA TIC-TAC-TOE: AN INTERVENTION TO ENHANCE POLYNOMIAL-SOLVING SKILLS AMONG STUDENTS IN KAPALONG NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the impact of the Mathema Tic-Tac-Toe intervention on students’ skills in solving polynomial problems. Specifically, the study aims to determine the significant difference between students’ pretest and post-test scores. A pre-experimental research design was utilized to assess the intervention’s effectiveness. Data were collected from 76 students in Grades 8 and 10 at Kapalong National High School, selected through purposive sampling. Pre-test and post-test assessments were used for data gathering. The findings revealed a substantial improvement in scores, with the mean percentage score increasing from 15.5% (Very Low) before the intervention to 61.14% (Average) after the intervention. The t-value obtained was -22.19, indicating a substantial difference in the scores before and after the intervention or treatment related to solving polynomials. This large negative t-value suggests a strong effect of the treatment on the students’ ability to solve polynomials. This significant improvement in scores indicates a highly positive impact of the Mathema Tic-Tac-Toe intervention on students’ ability to solve polynomial problems. The results suggest that the intervention is effective in enhancing students’ performance in this area, demonstrating a strong and beneficial effect on their Mathematical skills. The teacher may use this intervention in their mathematics classes to improve the problem solving skills of the students in polynomials. KEYWORDS: Action Research, Intervention, Polynomial Problem Solving Skills, Mathema Tic-Tac-Toe

In-depth Analysis of Students' Mathematical Problem-Solving Skills: Influence Factors Motivation and Effective Teaching Strategies

Problem-solving (PS) skills are efforts to find solutions when faced with challenges. This study aims to examine students' mathematical PS skills by focusing on the influence of learning motivation and identifying factors that were previously overlooked. A qualitative approach with a case study design was used, where the researcher acted as the primary instrument. The research also utilized PISA-type test instruments, observation sheets, and interviews. PISA-type questions were designed around content, context, and process components, adhering to the PISA framework. The study was conducted in a school in Surakarta, chosen for its alignment with the minimum competency assessment system similar to PISA. Using snowball sampling, nine students were selected for response analysis. These students were categorized based on their motivation levels: high, moderate, and low. The results show that students with high motivation are proactive in problem-solving, directly addressing the problem, reviewing each step as they proceed, and ensuring accuracy. Moderately motivated students take more time, often using scratch paper, and review their work only at the end. Low-motivation students face greater difficulties, frequently making mistakes, relying heavily on scratch paper, and often skipping the review process due to time pressure. To improve PS skills, future research could explore the integration of interactive digital tools with instant feedback, adaptive learning platforms tailored to student motivation, and collaborative learning exercises. Additionally, incorporating real-world scenarios into problem-based learning could enhance engagement and develop deeper problem-solving abilities across different motivation levels.

The Effectiveness of Differentiated Learning Strategies on Elementary Students' Mathematical Critical Thinking Ability

This study explores the effectiveness of differentiated learning strategies in improving elementary students' mathematical critical thinking skills. The independent variable is the application of differentiated learning strategies, while the dependent variable is the students' mathematical critical thinking ability. A quantitative approach was used, utilizing a quasi-experimental design with a non-equivalent control group. The sample included 30 fourth-grade students from Al-Falaah Islamic Elementary School and 30 from Jombang 01 Ciputat Elementary School, selected through purposive sampling. Data collection involved tests, questionnaires, observation sheets, and interview guides, and the analysis was conducted using independent sample t-tests and N-Gain tests with the help of SPSS IBM 22.0 software. The statistical analysis showed a significant effect of differentiated learning strategies on critical thinking skills, with a p-value of 0.000 and an N-Gain score of 74.56%. This indicates a notable improvement in students’ abilities in interpretation, analysis, evaluation, and inference. Differentiated learning strategies accounted for 58% of the variation in outcomes, with the remaining 42% influenced by other factors. In conclusion, differentiated learning strategies significantly enhance elementary students' mathematical critical thinking, and educators are encouraged to adopt these methods to foster deeper cognitive engagement.

Effect of Interactive E-Book to Measure Mathematical Representations on Optics in High School

This study aims to measure the effect of using interactive e-books in enhancing students' mathematical representation skills on optics material in high school. Mathematical representation involves students' ability to use mathematical symbols, graphs, and formulas to solve physics problems, particularly in the concept of optics, which is often considered abstract. The research method used was a quasi-experiment with a pretest-posttest control group design. The sample consisted of two classes: an experimental class using interactive e-books as learning media and a control class using conventional methods. The results showed an improvement in mathematical representation skills in both classes, with the n-gain value of the experimental class being 0.604 and the control class being 0.557, both in the medium category. However, the experimental class demonstrated a more significant improvement compared to the control class, indicating that interactive e-books are more effective in helping students deeply understand optical concepts. The interactive features in the e-book, such as simulations and animations, provided a more engaging learning experience and helped students visualize abstract concepts. In conclusion, the use of interactive e-books has a positive impact on improving students' mathematical representation skills and can be considered an effective alternative learning medium, especially for science subjects that require better visualization and conceptual understanding.

Exploring creativity in mathematics assessment: An analysis of standardized tests

This paper aims to investigate whether US standardized tests provide opportunities for students to demonstrate their creative thinking abilities through the inclusion of creativity-directed problems in their mathematics assessments. Our results indicated that two commonly used standardized national tests (i.e., PARCC and SBAC) do offer students some opportunities to exhibit their creative thinking skills by incorporating creativity-directed problems (e.g., multiple solution tasks) in their assessments. However, not all creativity-directed tasks are present at every grade level. The findings of this paper are significant not only because they reveal the potential of these tests to include creativity-directed tasks but also because they underscore the importance of assessment materials in fostering students’ creative thinking skills in mathematics, as assessments significantly influence teachers’ instructional practices and curriculum materials.

ANALYSIS OF STUDENTS' ABILITY TO SOLVE MATHEMATICAL PROBLEMS ON CONTEXTUAL PROBLEMS INVOLVING ALGEBRAIC FORMS

This research is motivated by the fact that problem solving is a basic ability that every student must have. However, observations in the field show that students' mathematical problem-solving skills, especially in the material of algebraic form operations, are still relatively low. This study aims to describe students' mathematical problem-solving skills based on Polya's theory, which consists of four stages: (1) understanding the problem, (2) planning problem solving, (3) implementing the plan, and (4) re-examining the results. This study involved 26 ninth grade students as subjects. The method used was descriptive qualitative with data collection techniques including tests, interviews, and documentation, data analysis conducted based on four levels of problem-solving ability: excellent, good, sufficient, and deficient. The results showed that students' mathematical problem-solving ability on algebraic form operation material obtained as a whole was still relatively low with a scale of 42%. The implications of these findings indicate the need for the alication of more varied and contextualized teaching strategies to improve students' problem-solving skills. This research can be the basis for teachers in providing further assistance to students who are experiencing difficulties, focusing on improving skills in understanding and solving mathematical problems as a whole.

An examination of the cognitive demand levels posed by problems in the middle grades mathematics textbooks

This research investigated the cognitive demand levels of mathematics tasks within the middle school mathematics textbooks endorsed by the Ministry of National Education for the academic year of the 2023-2024. To achieve this, a qualitative research method was utilized, and document analysis was performed. In this direction, the textbooks were analyzed using descriptive analysis. The tasks within the textbooks were examined through the lens of Smith and Stein’s (1998) theoretical framework. The findings indicate that the majority of mathematics tasks in middle school mathematics textbooks exhibit a low level of cognitive demand. It was found that over 80% of the tasks fell into the categories of memorization and procedures without connections levels. It has been revealed that tasks at the levels of procedures with connections and doing mathematics, which are high cognitive demand levels, are uncommon. This shows that textbooks do not sufficiently support the potential of students to develop mathematical thinking and problem-solving skills. Based on these results, various suggestions have been made for textbooks. The most important of these suggestions include ensuring that students are cognitively exposed to higher level tasks and increasing the number of tasks that will improve their mathematical thinking skills. Thus, it will be possible for students to have a more effective learning process by deepening their mathematical understanding.

Influencing Factors of Spatial Ability for Architecture and Interior Design Students: A Fuzzy DEMATEL and Interpretive Structural Model

Spatial ability is not just a skill but a crucial element for architecture and interior design students, significantly impacting their proficiency in tasks involving 2D drawings, 3D components, and artistic expression. Despite extensive research in this area, a gap remains in the understanding of how to effectively cultivate spatial ability through educational interventions. This study, with its unique approach of identifying key influencing factors and their interrelationships within the fuzzy decision-making laboratory analysis method (Fuzzy-DEMATEL) and the interpretative structural model (ISM), fills this gap. The method visualizes cause-and-effect relationships within a structural model and captures the interdependencies between influencing factors. In a collaborative effort between nine universities in 2023–2024, 17 experts selected through purposeful sampling contributed to the development of a comprehensive list of potential influencing factors. After refinement through filtering, comparison with the existing literature, and expert consensus, seven influencing factors of spatial ability for architecture and interior design students from personal traits and STEAM disciplines were identified, which are sketching and hand drawing skills, mathematical skills, video game practice, descriptive geometry skills, augmented reality practice, spatial talk, and gesturing while talking. Sketching and hand drawing skills, mathematical skills, and video game practice come under cause factors of spatial ability, whereas the rest are effect factors. Proceeding with ISM analysis revealed that sketching and hand drawing skills and mathematical skills are located in the input layer and have a continuous impact on spatial ability. Descriptive geometry skills lie in the transition layer, which are considered as deep influencing factors, the rest of the factors lie in the effect layer. This study delves into the theoretical and practical implications of these findings, offering valuable insights for educational policy and practice.

Development of domino media to improve problem solving and mathematical communication for Islamic boarding school students

Mathematical problem solving and communication skills are important factors in learning mathematics. Therefore, it is necessary to develop learning media, especially in Islamic boarding school curricula where the learning load is greater than the regular curriculum. On this basis, the aim of this research is to develop domino card media to improve problem solving and mathematical communication skills of Islamic boarding school students. Development was carried out at Al-Izzah IIBS Batu Middle School, Malang, using the ADDIE model. Data obtained from documents, observations, questionnaires and tests were analyzed using qualitative and quantitative approaches. Based on the results of the validation analysis, the domino card media was declared valid from the aspects of design, material, curriculum, consistency, language, practicality, problem solving development and mathematical communication. Meanwhile, the effectiveness of using domino card media in learning is classified as effective, if seen from the results of the problem solving ability test with an N-Gain score of 76.79%, and the results of the mathematical communication ability test with an N-Gain score of 61.79%. Many factors cause this non-optimality, including a lack of mathematics lesson hours, a busy lesson schedule that is less suited to conditions, many demands on students, and the learning load in the curriculum.

Developing the Ability to Solve Mathematics Problems ‘Polygons’, Through Open Approach Learning Management for Sixth-Grade Students

This action research aims to develop the ability to solve mathematical problems, particularly in polygons, through open-approach learning management for sixth-grade students, with the goal of achieving an average score exceeding 70% of the total possible score. The target group consisted of eight students in the second semester of the academic year 2023. Data collection tools included lesson plans, mathematics problem-solving ability tests, student behavior observation forms, and student journal logs. The data were analyzed using statistical methods, including percentages, means, and standard deviations. The findings showed that an open approach to learning management can effectively enhance mathematical problem-solving skills. Furthermore, it was observed that the students demonstrated various problem-solving approaches, actively engaged in group and inter-group learning exchanges, displayed confidence in problem-solving, and improved their mathematical problem-solving abilities.

The impact of Ethno-Realistic Mathematics Education-based e-module in strengthening students’ problem-solving abilities

Mathematics education in Indonesia faces challenges primarily due to the limited problem-solving skills of students, prompting a need for effective teaching materials to enhance classroom learning. Despite this, many educators still rely on conventional methods that are less effective in fostering mathematical understanding. Consequently, there is a demand for alternative resources that can better support mathematics education. This study aims to develop a valid and practical e-module based on Ethno-Realistic Mathematics Education (Ethno-RME) to improve problem-solving abilities among eighth-grade students. Employing a design research approach within the development studies framework, the study includes preliminary and formative evaluation stages. Evaluation tools encompass expert assessments of content and media quality, walkthroughs, documentation, and problem-solving assessments. The outcome is an Ethno-RME-based e-module focused on number patterns, validated through expert reviews and positively evaluated for practicality by students. This research highlights the e-module's potential to significantly enhance students' mathematical problem-solving skills, offering educators an innovative tool to support effective mathematics teaching.

Didactic video game prototype with recognization of geometric figures in augmented reality

The goal is to offer an educational and entertaining experience through pattern recognition and with the help of Artificial intelligence (AI) and Augmented reality (AR), classified in 2D and 3D that encourages the learning of geometric figures while playing. Technology has made students active participants who can manipulate and explore figures in a virtual environment. It encourages a deeper understanding, as they can see how the shapes interact with each other and with their environment (Toledo, 2017). However, there is still a world to investigate with the behavior demonstrated by 3rd grade primary school students. The pedagogical methodology of Local Theoretical Models (LTM) and the Prototyping methodology that is used to design and develop software systems or applications by building simplified and experimental versions. Currently you can get easy access to Software that helps create video games. Beginning to consolidate theoretical and cognitive knowledge that benefits stimulation in their learning and in attention, perception, interest, memory, thinking and reasoning with the help of AI and AR. The research helps 3rd grade primary school students understand the impact of technology to improve study and learning. The large number of applications implemented to strengthen the learning of basic level students has increased, converging between gaming technology and education, offering a new way to learn and practice mathematical skills in a fun and interactive way.

The Improvement of Students’ Mathematical Communication Ability and Learning Interest on Junior High School through The Application of Reciprocal Teaching

This research is an experiment which aims to examine improving the mathematical communication skills and interest in learning of junior high school students in set material by implementing the reciprocal teaching learning model. The problem behind this research is that students' mathematical communication skills and interest in learning in set material are still in the low category, so learning alternatives are needed that can develop students' mathematical communication skills and interest in learning. The research method used is Pre-Experimental with a one group pretest-posttest research design. The population in this study were all class VII students in one of the private junior high schools in Karawang Regency. The sample in this research was 25 students with a purposive sampling technique. The instrument used is a communication skills test and a non-test in the form of a learning interest questionnaire. Based on the analysis of the data obtained, it shows that students' mathematical communication skills after implementing the reciprocal teaching model are better, namely from 8.32 to 75.32 and students' interest in studying set material after using the reciprocal teaching model is 60% in the low interest category and 40% with the high category which was previously 32% in the very low category and 68% in the low interest category. Thus, it can be concluded that the application of the reciprocal teaching model can improve the mathematical communication skills and interest in learning of class VII SMP students in set material, although not optimally.

ANALISIS KEMAMPUAN KOMUNIKASI MATEMATIK MAHASISWA PADA PEMBELAJARAN PROBLEM BASED LEARNING DITINJAU DARI GAYA BELAJAR

The purpose of this study is to describe students' mathematical communication skills in Problem Based Learning viewed from students' learning styles. The type of research used is qualitative research supported by observation data, questionnaires and interviews. Validity testing is the credibility test, transferability, dependability, and confirmability. The results of the study indicate that students' mathematical communication skills viewed from learning styles include visual learning styles (30.4%), auditory (34.8%), and kinesthetic (26.1%) and visual-kinesthetic (8.7%). Mathematical ability indicators on a scale of 0-10 include 1) The ability to express ideas orally, in writing and demonstrate them and describe them visually (8.78), 2) The ability to understand, interpret, and evaluate mathematical ideas orally, in writing and demonstrate them and describe them visually (8.21), 3) The ability to use mathematical terms, notations, and their structures to present ideas describing relationships with situation models (5.30). The appropriate learning style is the key to student success in learning. The use of learning styles that are limited to only one form can cause an imbalance in absorbing information. Therefore, in learning activities, students need to be helped and directed to recognize the learning style that suits them so that learning objectives can be achieved effectively.

EKSPLORASI HUBUNGAN ANTARA LITERASI NUMERASI DAN KEMAMPUAN BERPIKIR KREATIF MATEMATIS DI MADRASAH TSANAWIYAH

Numeracy literacy and mathematical creative thinking are essential skills for students to tackle learning challenges and solve problems effectively. However, there are gaps in their understanding of these skills. This study aims to examine the relationship between numeracy literacy and mathematical creative thinking among students. A simple regression and correlation analysis was used as the research method. The sample consisted of 33 students randomly selected from a population of 113. Data were gathered through tests on numeracy literacy and mathematical creative thinking skills after a trial phase. Findings reveal a significant relationship between numeracy literacy and mathematical creative thinking, with a correlation coefficient of 0.857. The R-value of 0.857 indicates that 73.50% of the variation in mathematical creativity skills is explained by numeracy literacy. The study identifies four patterns: students with high literacy and creativity excel in analysis, while those with mixed levels show varying strengths and weaknesses in data interpretation and innovation.

Implementation of Discovery Learning Model with Window Shopping Approach to Improve Mathematical Communication Ability of High School Students

The low ability of students' mathematical communication in learning mathematics, especially in expressing mathematical situations or problems in the form of pictures, diagrams, language or mathematical symbols, or mathematical models makes students less active in learning and their learning motivation decreases. This study aims to determine the achievement of students' mathematical communication skills through the discovery learning model with a window shopping approach. The method in this study is a quasi-experimental research type consisting of 2 classes, namely the experimental class that uses the discovery learning model with the window shopping approach and the control class that uses ordinary learning at school with a total of 70 students from class XI SMA in one of the public high schools in Bandung. The research test instrument was in the form of a test that would be analyzed using SPSS 21 to compare learning outcomes between the experimental class and the control class. The result of the study was that the achievement of the students' mathematical communication skills in the experimental class was better than that of the control class at a significance level of 0.05 where the average communication ability of the experimental class was 81.74 and that of the control class was 77.31. The effectiveness of learning in the experimental class showed that it was more active in group discussions as indicated by the interaction and creativity of students in presenting learning material in each group, and almost 85% of students enjoyed learning using the discovery learning model with the window shopping approach.

PENGEMBANGAN MULTIMEDIA INTERAKTIF BERBASIS ANDROID PADA MATERI RELASI DAN FUNGSI KELAS VIII SMP MENGGUNAKAN KODULAR

The field of learning is greatly influenced by technological advances, and mathematical skills are no exception. This research aims to share alternatives in delivering relation and function material for grade VIII junior high school students through an assessment of the validity and practicality of interactive learning media based on Kodular. The development of this product explores the stages of the 4D model (Definition, Design, Development, Dissemination). At the Definition stage, the initial analysis showed minimal enthusiasm and involvement of students and teacher-centered learning, so it was deemed necessary to innovate, namely an interactive learning application resulting from development using Kodular. The Design stage, designing a prototype by compiling test standards based on the formulation of learning objectives, choosing the Kodular website as the main platform with APK format, creating a learning application product called Math Voyager. At the Develop stage, students calculate and evaluate the Math Voyager learning media, which is validated by media and material experts. Analysis of the trial results using the Aiken V index. The validation value from the material expert is 0.72, the validation value from the media expert is 0.92, and the practicality value is 0.66. All of these index values are greater than 0.4 so it can be concluded that Math Voyager is valid and practical. The Disseminate stage, distributes Math Voyager to users via the Google Drive platform. This dissemination effort is carried out so that the Math Voyager media can be accessed by teachers and students.

IMPLEMENTASI MODEL PROBLEM BASED LEARNING UNTUK MENINGKATKAN KEMAMPUAN PENALARAN MATEMATIS PADA MATERI LINGKARAN KELAS VIII

The purpose of this class action research is to define the implementation of the problem based learning model to improve the mathematical reasoning ability of the students of the eighth grade Fatimah Azzahra SMP IT Izzudin Palembang 2023/2024 on circular material. Execution of research using two cycles, each cycle has steps namely planning, action, observation, and reflection. Data collection on this study uses observation, and testing. The research was carried out with the participation of 17 students of the eighth grade at Izzudin Palembang IT High School. The aim of this study is to apply the learning model of problem based learning with the aim of improving the ability of mathematical reasoning of students. Students experience improvement in every aspect. The increase in the percentage of students' scores in mathematical reasoning skills during the first cycle reached 61.91%, while in the second cycle increased by 84.03%. The implementation of this study uses the pre-cycle phase by giving pre-test questions so that students reached the percent of 43.13% and in the post-test phase students achieved 80.84% so that it can be concluded that each indicator of mathematic reasoning ability students experienced a good improvement.

PENGARUH MODEL PEMBELAJARAN SEARCH, SOLVE, CREATE, AND SHARE (SSCS) TERHADAP KEMAMPUAN PEMECAHAN MASALAH MATEMATIS PESERTA DIDIK

This study aims to determine whether there is an effect of the Search, Solve, Create, and Share (SSCS) learning model on students' mathematical problemsolving ability and to see how much influence the SSCS learning model has on students' mathematical problemsolving skills. This research uses a quantitative approach with a quasi-experiment method with a pretest-posttest control group design. The population of this study were all VIII grade students in one of the junior high schools in Bogor Regency. The samples used were class VIII-2 as the control class using conventional learning model and class VIII-4 as the experimental class using SSCS learning model. Data was collected through a mathematical problemsolving ability test in the form of five description questions on Social Arithmetic material. The data obtained were analyzed using T test and Effect Size test. The results of data analysis showed that there was an effect of SSCS learning model on students' mathematical problemsolving ability. The effect size of SSCS learning model on students' mathematical problemsolving ability is 0.39 with moderate category.

Analysis of Mathematical Critical Thinking Ability based on Students' Ability Level

Analyzing and testing mathematical critical thinking skills based on the ability level of class VIII students of junior high school is the aim of this research. By understanding the level of students' abilities, educators can determine students' mathematical critical thinking abilities and develop appropriate teaching strategies to improve students' abilities. This study uses a qualitative descriptive research method. This research was conducted at one of the junior high schools in Cipatat, West Bandung Regency with heterogeneous abilities of 8 students. This research uses data collection techniques by providing mathematical critical thinking ability questions on SPLDV material which consists of 5 essay test questions based on the following indicators: (1) Checking the completeness of problem solving steps. (2) Look for alternative solutions to problems. (3) Identify spldv equations with certain characteristics. (4) Choose the best way to solve the problem from alternative ways of solving it. (5) Identifying the adequacy of data on a problem. In this study, the results of the analysis have shown that students at a high level of ability can check the completeness of problem solving steps, students with a medium level of ability have little difficulty in identifying spldv equations with certain characteristics, and students with a low level of ability have difficulty finding alternatives problem solution.