Journal Evaluation in Education (JEE)
Journal Evaluation in Education (JEE)

an Open Access Journal

SINTA

1.6519

Impact

GScholar

16

H-Index

Journal Evaluation in Education (JEE)

an Open Access Journal


Evaluating Mathematical Representation Competence Among Primary Students: Insights from the Post-Pandemic Learning Recovery

Share
  • Purpose of the study: The study aims to investigate not only the fundamental mathematical knowledge of primary school students but also their mathematical representation skills, as these are essential for applying mathematical concepts in everyday life.

    Methodology: A descriptive research design was employed without any treatment. The instrument included a test measuring representation skills through three indicators: forming equations or models from given representations, drawing diagrams to clarify and solve problems, and composing stories based on given representations. Secondary data were gathered through field notes and analysed using descriptive statistics, followed by triangulation with observation results.

    Main Findings: The findings reveal that students’ mathematical representation skills remain underdeveloped. The lowest performance was observed in the indicator involving drawing diagrams to support problem-solving. These results suggest a mismatch between students' learning needs and current instructional strategies, underscoring the need to implement differentiated and inclusive approaches to better support diverse learners.

    Novelty/Originality of this study: The study introduces a validated diagnostic test administered prior to the main assessment, ensuring the reliability and validity of the research results. This approach minimises bias and provides a more accurate portrayal of students' actual representation abilities, offering new insights into differentiated learning in mathematics education.

  • How to cite

    [1]
    “Evaluating Mathematical Representation Competence Among Primary Students: Insights from the Post-Pandemic Learning Recovery”, Jor. Eva. Edu, vol. 6, no. 3, pp. 662–672, Jul. 2025, doi: 10.37251/jee.v6i3.1740.
  • 385
    Abstract views
    353
    Downloads

    Metrics — Badges

    1. M. Kuhfeld, J. Soland, K. Lewis, E. Ruzek, and A. Johnson, “The COVID-19 school year: Learning and recovery across 2020-2021,” AERA Open, vol. 8, p. 23328584221099306, Jan. 2022, doi: 10.1177/23328584221099306. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/23328584221099306
    2. M.-K. Lerkkanen, E. Pakarinen, J. Salminen, and M. Torppa, “Reading and math skills development among Finnish primary school children before and after COVID-19 school closure,” Read. Writ., vol. 36, no. 2, pp. 263–288, Feb. 2023, doi: 10.1007/s11145-022-10358-3. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11145-022-10358-3
    3. T. Swindle, “Early care and education after COVID-19: A perspective,” Contemp. Issues Early Child., vol. 25, no. 2, pp. 271–275, Jun. 2024, doi: 10.1177/14639491231166483. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/14639491231166483
    4. B. Mainali and A. S. Ipek, “A Comparative Analysis of Tasks of the 6th Grade Mathematics Textbooks in the USA and Türkiye,” Int. J. Math. Teach. Learn., vol. 25, no. 1, Art. no. 1, Apr. 2025.
    5. D. A. Scheibe, C. A. Was, J. Dunlosky, and C. A. Thompson, “Metacognitive Cues, Working Memory, and Math Anxiety: The Regulated Attention in Mathematical Problem Solving (RAMPS) Framework,” J. Intell., vol. 11, no. 6, p. 117, Jun. 2023, doi: 10.3390/jintelligence11060117. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3390/jintelligence11060117
    6. E. de M. Miranda and D. R. Baum, “COVID-19 learning loss and recovery in Brazil: Assessing gaps across social groups,” Educ. Policy Anal. Arch., vol. 32, no. 1, pp. 1–23, Jan. 2024, doi: 10.14507/epaa.32.8082. DOI: https://doi.org/10.14507/epaa.32.8082
    7. A. B. Lockwood, N. Benson, R. L. Farmer, K. Klatka, and K. Lilly, “A Comparison of Special Education Students’ Triennial Norm-Referenced Academic Achievement Before and During COVID-19,” Remedial Spec. Educ., vol. 45, no. 4, pp. 203–215, Aug. 2024, doi: 10.1177/07419325231199272. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/07419325231199272
    8. N. H. Olitsky and S. B. Cosgrove, “Cutting our losses: The effects of a loss-aversion strategy on student learning gains,” J. Econ. Educ., vol. 54, no. 1, pp. 1–16, Jan. 2023, doi: 10.1080/00220485.2022.2144572. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/00220485.2022.2144572
    9. T. Toker, “Detecting Possible Learning Losses due to COVID-19 Pandemic: An Application of Curriculum-Based Assessment,” Int. J. Contemp. Educ. Res., vol. 9, no. 1, Art. no. 1, Oct. 2022, doi: 10.33200/ijcer.985992. DOI: https://doi.org/10.33200/ijcer.985992
    10. M. K. Situmorang, M. S. Harahap, and M. Ahmad, “Analisis kemampuan berpikir kreatif matematika dan metakognitif siswa selama pandemi COVID-19 di SMA Negeri 1 Andam Dewi [Analysis of students' mathematical creative thinking and metacognitive abilities during the COVID-19 pandemic at SMA Negeri 1 Andam Dewi],” J. MathEdu Math. Educ. J., vol. 4, no. 3, Art. no. 3, Nov. 2021, doi: 10.37081/mathedu.v4i3.2685. DOI: https://doi.org/10.37081/mathedu.v4i3.2685
    11. J. E. Sihombing, R. Lubis, and S. D. Harahap, “Analisis keterkaitan kesiapan belajar matematika siswa terhadap kemampuan komunikasi matematika siswa selama masa pandemi COVID-19 [Analysis of the relationship between students' readiness to learn mathematics and students' mathematical communication skills during the COVID-19 pandemic.],” J. MathEdu Math. Educ. J., vol. 5, no. 1, Art. no. 1, Mar. 2022, doi: 10.37081/mathedu.v5i1.2682.
    12. M. Arifin and S. Chotimah, “Analisis efektifitas pembelajaran matematika secara daring siswa SMP di Kabupaten Bekasi Selama Masa Pandemi Covid-19 [Analysis of the effectiveness of online mathematics learning for junior high school students in Bekasi Regency during the Covid-19 pandemic.],” J. Cendekia J. Pendidik. Mat., vol. 5, no. 3, Art. no. 3, Aug. 2021, doi: 10.31004/cendekia.v5i3.875. DOI: https://doi.org/10.31004/cendekia.v5i3.875
    13. Y. R. Lamichhane, “A silver lining or digital divide? Systematic review of literature on online learning during Covid-19 in Nepal,” E-Learn. Digit. Media, vol. 21, no. 4, pp. 367–386, Jul. 2024, doi: 10.1177/20427530231160890. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/20427530231160890
    14. S. Nikou and I. Maslov, “An analysis of students’ perspectives on e-learning participation – the case of COVID-19 pandemic,” Int. J. Inf. Learn. Technol., vol. 38, no. 3, pp. 299–315, May 2021, doi: 10.1108/IJILT-12-2020-0220. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1108/IJILT-12-2020-0220
    15. A. J. Vuković, J. Damnjanović, and M. Vranješ, “The quality of online higher education teaching during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Evidence from Serbia,” Acta Educ. Gen., vol. 14, no. 3, pp. 83–92, Nov. 2024, doi: 10.2478/atd-2024-0020. DOI: https://doi.org/10.2478/atd-2024-0020
    16. Y. Gavronskaya, D. Gura, A. Minakhmetova, and O. Dudnik, “Web 2.0 Technologies in Times of Pandemic COVID-19: Pedagogical Experience,” Int. J. Distance Educ. Technol. IJDET, vol. 22, no. 1, pp. 1–18, 2024, doi: 10.4018/IJDET.337963. DOI: https://doi.org/10.4018/IJDET.337963
    17. S. Ebner, M. K. MacDonald, P. Grekov, and K. B. Aspiranti, “A Meta-Analytic review of the concrete-representational-abstract math approach,” Learn. Disabil. Res. Pract., vol. 40, no. 1, pp. 31–42, Feb. 2025, doi: 10.1177/09388982241292299. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/09388982241292299
    18. E. Unaenah and M. S. Sumantri, “Analisis pemahaman konsep matematis siswa kelas 5 sekolah dasar pada materi pecahan [Analysis of the understanding of mathematical concepts of 5th grade elementary school students on the topic of fractions],” J. Basicedu, vol. 3, no. 1, Art. no. 1, Apr. 2019, doi: 10.31004/basicedu.v3i1.85. DOI: https://doi.org/10.31004/basicedu.v3i1.78
    19. N. Hanifah, H. D. Koeswanti, and T. Sadono, “Penerapan model project based learning guna meningkatkan keterampilan representasi matematis peserta didik kelas IV [Implementation of the project-based learning model to improve the mathematical representation skills of fourth-grade students],” J. Ilm. Profesi Pendidik., vol. 6, no. 1, pp. 54–59, May 2021, doi: 10.29303/jipp.v6i1.147. DOI: https://doi.org/10.29303/jipp.v6i1.147
    20. K. O’Sullivan, “How to influence teachers and students motivation for STEM: Lessons learned from microsofts DreamSpace STEM 21CLD Educational Activity,” Proc. 2020 IEEE Int. Conf. Teach. Assess. Learn. Eng. TALE 2020, no. Query date: 2021-04-07 20:11:14, pp. 398–405, 2020, doi: 10.1109/TALE48869.2020.9368436. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1109/TALE48869.2020.9368436
    21. E. D. Spangenberg and C. Myburgh, “Comparing South African female and male pre-service teachers’ beliefs about the nature of mathematics,” Afr. Educ. Rev., vol. 14, no. 2, pp. 140–155, Apr. 2017, doi: 10.1080/18146627.2017.1292828. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/18146627.2017.1292828
    22. P. Asare-Nuamah, “International students’ satisfaction: Assessing the determinants of satisfaction,” High. Educ. Future, vol. 4, no. 1, pp. 44–59, Jan. 2017, doi: 10.1177/2347631116681213. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/2347631116681213
    23. R. R. Sukardi, W. Sopandi, and Riandi, “How do teachers develop secondary school students’ creativity in the classroom?,” AIP Conf. Proc., vol. 2331, no. 1, p. 030024, Apr. 2021, doi: 10.1063/5.0042030. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0042030
    24. D. S. Short and J. F. McLean, “The relationship between numerical mapping abilities, maths achievement and socioeconomic status in 4- and 5-year-old children,” Br. J. Educ. Psychol., vol. 93, no. 3, pp. 641–657, 2023, doi: 10.1111/bjep.12582. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/bjep.12582
    25. A. K. Jitendra, B. Dougherty, V. Sanchez, M. R. Harwell, and S. Harbour, “Building conceptual understanding of multiplicative reasoning content in third graders struggling to learn mathematics: A Feasibility Study,” Learn. Disabil. Res. Pract., vol. 38, no. 4, pp. 285–295, 2023, doi: 10.1111/ldrp.12322. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/ldrp.12322
    26. R. R. Sukardi, H. R. Widarti, and L. Nurlela, “Primary School Students’ Submicroscopic Representation Level on Greenhouse Effect at Urban Educational Area,” presented at the Asian Education Symposium, Bandung, West Java: SCITEPRESS, Nov. 2017, pp. 178–183. doi: 10.5220/0007300701780183. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5220/0007300701780183
    27. T. Endres, O. Lovell, D. Morkunas, W. Rieß, and A. Renkl, “Can prior knowledge increase task complexity? – Cases in which higher prior knowledge leads to higher intrinsic cognitive load,” Br. J. Educ. Psychol., vol. 93, no. S2, pp. 305–317, 2023, doi: 10.1111/bjep.12563. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/bjep.12563
    28. S.-K. Hsu and Y. Hsu, “Supporting young learners in learning geometric area concepts through static versus dynamic representation and imagination strategies,” Int. J. Sci. Math. Educ., vol. 23, no. 2, pp. 441–459, Feb. 2025, doi: 10.1007/s10763-024-10481-3. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10763-024-10481-3
    29. H. Lestari, W. Sopandi, U. S. Sa’ud, B. Musthafa, D. Budimansyah, and R. R. Sukardi, “The impact of online mentoring in implementing RADEC learning to the elementary school teachers’ competence in training students’ critical thinking skills: A case study during COVID-19 pandemic,” J. Pendidik. IPA Indones., vol. 10, no. 3, Art. no. 3, Sep. 2021, doi: 10.15294/jpii.v10i3.28655. DOI: https://doi.org/10.15294/jpii.v10i3.28655
    30. R. R. Sukardi, A. Widodo, and W. Sopandi, “The planning and implementation of reasoning instruction: science teachers’ case,” J. Eng. Educ. Transform., vol. 38, no. 3, pp. 39–51, Jun. 2025, doi: 10.16920/jeet/2025/v38is3/25089. DOI: https://doi.org/10.16920/jeet/2025/v38is3/25089
    31. R. R. Sukardi, Y. Yuniarti, M. Laeni, M. A. Michael, S. Supriyanti, and I. Mujahidah, “Primary teachers’ perceptions of augmented reality for teaching balanced nutrition with ethnoscience,” PAEDAGOGIA, vol. 28, no. 2, Art. no. 2, Jun. 2025, doi: 10.20961/paedagogia.v28i2.103411.
    32. E. Morris and A. Mwaraksurmes, “Shifting from face-to-face to online teaching and learning: Growth opportunities experienced by Vanuatu primary school teachers,” Int. Educ. J. Comp. Perspect., vol. 23, no. 2, pp. 36–47, Nov. 2024, doi: 10.70830/iejcp.2302.20344. DOI: https://doi.org/10.70830/iejcp.2302.20344
    33. A. E. Riggs and A. M. Gonzalez, “Similarity or stereotypes? An investigation of how exemplar gender guides children’s math learning,” Dev. Sci., vol. 27, no. 6, p. e13542, 2024, doi: 10.1111/desc.13542. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1111/desc.13542
    34. R. Rohana, E. F. P. Sari, and S. Nurfeti, “Analisis kemampuan representasi matematis materi persamaan linear dua variable [Analysis of mathematical representation ability of two-variable linear equation material],” AKSIOMA J. Program Studi Pendidik. Mat., vol. 10, no. 2, Art. no. 2, Jul. 2021, doi: 10.24127/ajpm.v10i2.3365. DOI: https://doi.org/10.24127/ajpm.v10i2.3365
    35. N. Syafitri, E. Ellianti, and D. Annisa, “Analisis kemampuan representasi matematis siswa pada materi lingkaran [Analysis of students' mathematical representation abilities on circle material],” J. Peluang, vol. 11, no. 1, Art. no. 1, Jul. 2023, doi: 10.24815/jp.v11i1.29777.
    36. N. N. Y. Wikantari, L. Hayati, W. Wahidaturrahmi, and B. Baidowi, “Analysis of mathematical representation ability on pythagoras theorem reviewed from learning style of junior high school students,” J. Pijar Mipa, vol. 17, no. 6, pp. 775–781, Nov. 2022, doi: 10.29303/jpm.v17i6.3311. DOI: https://doi.org/10.29303/jpm.v17i6.3311
    37. B. Hudiono, “Peran pembelajaran diskursus multi representasi terhadap pengembangan kemampuan matematika dan daya representasi pada siswa SLTP [The role of multi-representational discourse learning in developing mathematical abilities and representational power in junior high school students],” J. Cakrawala Kependidikan, vol. 8, no. 2, 2010.
    38. Y. Yuniarti, “Peran guru dalam meningkatkan kemampuan representasi matematika dalam pembelajaran matematika [The role of teachers in improving mathematical representation skills in mathematics learning],” EduHumaniora J. Pendidik. Dasar Kampus Cibiru, vol. 5, no. 1, Art. no. 1, 2013, doi: 10.17509/eh.v5i1.2838. DOI: https://doi.org/10.17509/eh.v5i1.2838
    39. B. N. Bunga, P. A. Rihi Tugu, J. E. Yulianto, and I. Y. Kiling, “Collaborations amid the pandemic: East Nsa Tenggara preschool teachers’ experiences in developing distance learning during COVID-19,” Educ. Dev. Psychol., vol. 41, no. 1, pp. 29–38, Jan. 2024, doi: 10.1080/20590776.2023.2288850. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/20590776.2023.2288850
    40. N. P. Lo, “Digital learning and the ESL online classroom in higher education: Teachers’ perspectives,” Asian-Pac. J. Second Foreign Lang. Educ., vol. 8, no. 1, p. 24, Aug. 2023, doi: 10.1186/s40862-023-00198-1. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1186/s40862-023-00198-1
    41. C.-K. Shin, Y. An, and S. Oh, “Reduced in-person learning in COVID-19 widens student achievement gaps in schools,” Asia Pac. Educ. Rev., vol. 25, no. 1, pp. 45–55, Mar. 2024, doi: 10.1007/s12564-023-09862-0. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s12564-023-09862-0
    42. S. Al Salman, M. Alkathiri, and A. Khaled Bawaneh, “School off, learning on: identification of preference and challenges among school students towards distance learning during COVID19 outbreak,” Int. J. Lifelong Educ., vol. 40, no. 1, pp. 53–71, Jan. 2021, doi: 10.1080/02601370.2021.1874554. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/02601370.2021.1874554
    43. L. Bondurant and L. McConchie, “Drawing a positive math identity: Portrait of a math person,” Math. Teach. Learn. Teach. PK-12, vol. 117, no. 2, pp. 115–120, Feb. 2024, doi: 10.5951/MTLT.2023.0226. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5951/MTLT.2023.0226
    44. N. F. Sipayung, N. A. Dalimunte, and R. R. Wandini, “Efektivitas penggunaan representasi matematika pada pembelajaran matematika di SD [The effectiveness of using mathematical representation in mathematics learning in elementary school],” J. Pendidik. Tambusai, vol. 8, no. 1, pp. 668–673, Jan. 2024, doi: 10.31004/jptam.v8i1.12445.
    45. S. Lee, F. Ke, and J. Ryu, “Engagement and effectiveness of symbolic and iconic learning support for math problem representation: an eye tracking study,” Interact. Learn. Environ., vol. 31, no. 3, pp. 1514–1531, Apr. 2023, doi: 10.1080/10494820.2020.1848877. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10494820.2020.1848877
    46. B. Cerezci, “Mining the Gap: Analysis of early mathematics instructional quality in Pre-Kindergarten classrooms,” Early Educ. Dev., vol. 32, no. 5, pp. 653–676, Jul. 2021, doi: 10.1080/10409289.2020.1775438. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/10409289.2020.1775438
    47. M. Alkhateeb, “Multiple representations in 8th grade mathematics textbook and the Extent to which teachers implement them,” Int. Electron. J. Math. Educ., vol. 14, no. 1, pp. 137–145, Dec. 2018, doi: 10.12973/iejme/3982. DOI: https://doi.org/10.12973/iejme/3982
    48. D. Isran, “Pengembangan bahan ajar berbasis model struktur representasi pengetahuan mahasiswa pendidikan matematika untuk meningkatkan kemampuan membuktikan dan kemampuan representasi matematis [Development of teaching materials based on knowledge representation structure models for mathematics education students to improve their ability to prove and mathematical representation abilities.],” J. Pendidik. Mat. Raflesia, vol. 3, no. 2, Art. no. 2, Dec. 2018, doi: 10.33369/jpmr.v3i2.7517.
    49. A. I. Pardede, A. Asmin, and E. Surya, “Perbedaan kemampuan representasi dan pemecahan masalah matematika siswa dengan pendekatan matematika realistik dan pembelajaran biasa di SMK Swasta Tamansiswa Medan [Differences in students' mathematical representation and problem-solving abilities with realistic mathematics approaches and conventional learning at Tamansiswa Private Vocational School, Medan],” PARADIKMA J. Pendidik. Mat., vol. 9, no. 2, Art. no. 2, 2016, doi: 10.24114/paradikma.v10i1.8652.
    50. M. M. Flores and V. M. Hinton, “Use of the Concrete–Representational–Abstract Instructional Sequence to Improve Mathematical Outcomes for Elementary Students With EBD,” Behav., vol. 31, no. 1, pp. 16–28, Apr. 2022, doi: 10.1177/10742956211072421. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/10742956211072421
    51. V. Hatisaru, “The use of representations in solving mathematical problems,” Aust. Math. Educ. J., vol. 4, no. 2, pp. 9–14, Jan. 2022, doi: 10.3316/informit.589932835442188.
    52. S. K. Boote, T. M. Galanti, D. Felicien, and T. Kelly, “Engaging early childhood students using clothesline math,” Math. Teach. Learn. Teach. PK-12, vol. 118, no. 3, pp. 188–198, Mar. 2025, doi: 10.5951/MTLT.2024.0096. DOI: https://doi.org/10.5951/MTLT.2024.0096
    53. F. Ke and K. M. Clark, “Game-Based multimodal representations and mathematical problem solving,” Int. J. Sci. Math. Educ., vol. 18, no. 1, pp. 103–122, Jan. 2020, doi: 10.1007/s10763-018-9938-3. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10763-018-9938-3
    54. I. G. Andersen and E. Smith, “Gender Differences in Math and Science Academic Self-Concepts and the Association With Female Climate in 8th Grade Classrooms,” J. Early Adolesc., vol. 44, no. 5, pp. 545–578, May 2024, doi: 10.1177/02724316231188682. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1177/02724316231188682
    55. N. Ariyanti, N. L. Azizah, and M. F. Amir, “Upaya meningkatkan kemampuan hitung anak pasca pandemi Covid-19 melalui pelatihan permainan kreatif metode jarimatika [Efforts to improve children's arithmetic skills after the Covid-19 pandemic through creative game training using the finger arithmetic method.],” Jurnal Terapan Abdimas, vol. 7, no. 2, pp. 136–142, Aug. 2024, doi: 10.25273/jta.v7i2.12259. DOI: https://doi.org/10.25273/jta.v7i2.12259
    56. Z. Hawes and D. Ansari, “What explains the relationship between spatial and mathematical skills? A review of evidence from brain and behavior,” Psychon. Bull. Rev., vol. 27, no. 3, pp. 465–482, Jun. 2020, doi: 10.3758/s13423-019-01694-7. DOI: https://doi.org/10.3758/s13423-019-01694-7
    57. D. T. Kurniawan, Y. Yuniarti, R. R. Sukardi, N. Yanthi, H. Yunansah, and S. Maryanti, “STEM from Home: The training for primary school teachers in bandung wetan as a science learning alternative during the COVID-19 Pandemic,” Pasundan Int. Community Serv. J. PICS-J, vol. 2, no. 2, Art. no. 2, Dec. 2020, doi: 10.23969/pics.v2i2.3328. DOI: https://doi.org/10.23969/pics.v2i2.3328
    58. W. H. Finch, J. C. Cassady, and C. A. Helsper, “Identification and validation of severity standards for the academic anxiety scale,” Int. J. Test., vol. 24, no. 2, pp. 145–168, Apr. 2024, doi: 10.1080/15305058.2024.2317758. DOI: https://doi.org/10.1080/15305058.2024.2317758
    59. R. D. A. Agustin, C. Sa’dijah, S. Susiswo, and S. Sukoriyanto, “Mathematical semantics representation obstacles of preservice mathematics teachers,” Pegem J. Educ. Instr., vol. 14, no. 3, Art. no. 3, Apr. 2024, doi: 10.47750/pegegog.14.03.35.
    60. S. Fadilla and R. R. Wandini, “Kemampuan representasi matematika dalam pembelajaran matematika [Mathematical representation ability in mathematics learning],” TSAQOFAH, vol. 4, no. 2, Art. no. 2, Dec. 2023, doi: 10.58578/tsaqofah.v4i2.2432. DOI: https://doi.org/10.58578/tsaqofah.v4i2.2432