Realistic Mathematics Education: Unlocking Problem-Solving Potential in Students

  • Marenda Atika Miharja State Junior High School 30 Muaro Jambi
  • Makungu Bulayi Ruaha Catholic University
  • Le Viet Minh Triet Can Tho University
Keywords: Contextual Learning, Learning Strategies, Mathematics Education, Problem Solving Skills, Realistic Mathematics Education

Abstract

Purpose of the study: The purpose of this study was to explore the role of Realistic Mathematics Education (RME) in improving students' mathematical problem-solving skills and learning strategies in the classroom. This study also analyzed the effectiveness of the RME approach and students' and teachers' perceptions of the approach.

Methodology: This study used a mixed method with a quasi-experimental design (pretest-posttest control group) and a case study. Data were collected using problem-solving tests, observation sheets, and interviews. The research instruments included context-based test questions, observation guides, and interview guides. Data analysis was carried out using statistical tests using SPSS and thematic analysis for qualitative data.

Main Findings: The main results of this study indicate that the Realistic Mathematics Education (RME) approach significantly improved students' mathematical problem-solving skills compared to the conventional method. The mean posttest scores of students in the RME group were higher, with consistent improvement. Observations showed more active student engagement, use of visual aids, and contextual relevance in learning. Interviews revealed positive perceptions of teachers and students towards the effectiveness of the RME approach.

Novelty/Originality of this study: This study is interesting since it thoroughly examines how well Indonesian students, particularly those in junior high school, can solve mathematical problems through Realistic Mathematics Education (RME). In addition to examining students' opinions and teachers' learning practices, this study offers a fresh perspective on the RME approach's growth within the local educational setting.

References

[1] M. Akour and M. Alenezi, “Higher Education Future in the Era of Digital Transformation Mohammad Akour and Mamdouh Alenezi * Software,” Educ. Sci., vol. 12, no. 784, pp. 1–13, 2022.
[2] S. H. Mian, B. Salah, W. Ameen, K. Moiduddin, and H. Alkhalefah, “Adapting universities for sustainability education in industry 4.0: Channel of challenges and opportunities,” Sustain., vol. 12, no. 15, 2020, doi: 10.3390/su12156100.
[3] N. Kholiavko, O. Popelo, I. Bazhenkov, I. Shaposhnykova, and O. Sheremet, “Information and Communication Technologies As a Tool of Strategy for Ensuring the Higher Education Adaptability To the Digital Economy Challenges,” Int. J. Comput. Sci. Netw. Secur., vol. 21, no. 8, pp. 187–195, 2021, [Online]. Available: https://doi.org/10.22937/IJCSNS.2021.21.8.25%0Ahttps://doi.org/10.22937/IJCSNS.2021.21.8.25%0A
[4] R. J. Sternberg, V. Glaveanu, S. Karami, J. C. Kaufman, S. N. Phillipson, and D. D. Preiss, “Meta-intelligence: understanding, control, and interactivity between creative, analytical, practical, and wisdom-based approaches in problem solving,” J. Intell., vol. 9, no. 2, 2021, doi: 10.3390/jintelligence9020019.
[5] D. F. Halpern and D. S. Dunn, “Critical Thinking: A Model of Intelligence for Solving Real-World Problems,” J. Intell., vol. 9, no. 2, p. 22, 2021, doi: 10.3390/jintelligence9020022.
[6] Z. K. Szabo, P. Körtesi, J. Guncaga, D. Szabo, and R. Neag, “Examples of problem-solving strategies in mathematics education supporting the sustainability of 21st-century skills,” Sustain., vol. 12, no. 23, pp. 1–28, 2020, doi: 10.3390/su122310113.
[7] L. I. González‐pérez and M. S. Ramírez‐montoya, “Components of Education 4.0 in 21st Century Skills Frameworks: Systematic Review,” Sustain., vol. 14, no. 3, pp. 1–31, 2022, doi: 10.3390/su14031493.
[8] K. A. A. Gamage, D. M. S. C. P. K. Dehideniya, and S. Y. Ekanayake, “The role of personal values in learning approaches and student achievements,” Behav. Sci. (Basel)., vol. 11, no. 7, 2021, doi: 10.3390/bs11070102.
[9] J. Miranda et al., “The core components of education 4.0 in higher education: Three case studies in engineering education,” Comput. Electr. Eng., vol. 93, no. June, 2021, doi: 10.1016/j.compeleceng.2021.107278.
[10] E. Hidayat, P. Marwoto, and A. Widiyatmoko, “The Effectiveness of Contextual-Approach Science E-Module Integrated with Local Wisdom on Pressure Topic to Improve Critical Thinking Skills,” J. Innov. Sci. Educ., vol. 13, no. 2, pp. 83–91, 2024.
[11] A. van den Beemt et al., “Taking the Challenge: An Exploratory Study of the Challenge-Based Learning Context in Higher Education Institutions across Three Different Continents,” Educ. Sci., vol. 13, no. 3, 2023, doi: 10.3390/educsci13030234.
[12] K. Saidah and R. Damariswara, “Problems of Social Studies Learning at Elementary Education Level: What are the Recommended Solutions?,” J. Pendidik. Dasar Nusant., vol. 10, no. 1, pp. 24–34, 2024, doi: 10.29407/jpdn.v10i1.22487.
[13] R. I. Nazarov, “Teaching a Foreign Language in a Technical University,” Uchenyy Xxi Veka, vol. 5, no. 6, pp. 50–53, 2022, doi: 10.15350/24103586.2022.6.50-53.
[14] H. C. Çelik and F. Özdemir, “Mathematical thinking as a predictor of critical thinking dispositions of pre-service mathematics teachers,” Journal, Int. Educ., vol. 16, no. 4, pp. 0–3, 2020, doi: 10.29329/ijpe.2020.268.6.
[15] M. Jamil, T. Batool, and B. Dawood, “Evaluation of Critical Thinking Elements : A Qualitative Content Analysis of Physics Textbook Grade IX,” Qlantic J. Soc. Sci., vol. 5, no. 1, pp. 344–350, 2024, doi: 10.55737/qjss.337110358.
[16] E. Ahdhianto, Marsigit, Haryanto, and N. N. Santi, “The effect of metacognitive-based contextual learning model on fifth-grade students’ problem-solving and mathematical communication skills,” Eur. J. Educ. Res., vol. 9, no. 2, pp. 753–764, 2020, doi: 10.12973/eu-jer.9.2.753.
[17] R. R. Musna, D. Juandi, and A. Jupri, “A meta-analysis study of the effect of Problem-Based Learning model on students’ mathematical problem solving skills,” J. Phys. Conf. Ser., vol. 1882, no. 1, 2021, doi: 10.1088/1742-6596/1882/1/012090.
[18] R. E. Simamora, S. Saragih, and Hasratuddin, “Improving Students’ Mathematical Problem Solving Ability and Self-Efficacy through Guided Discovery Learning in Local Culture Context,” Int. Electron. J. Math. Educ., vol. 14, no. 1, pp. 61–72, 2019, doi: 10.18844/cjes.v16i4.6014.
[19] J. Cai and R. Leikin, “Affect in mathematical problem posing: conceptualization, advances, and future directions for research,” Educ. Stud. Math., vol. 105, no. 3, pp. 287–301, 2020, doi: 10.1007/s10649-020-10008-x.
[20] E. Akugizibwe and J. Y. Ahn, “Perspectives for effective integration of e-learning tools in university mathematics instruction for developing countries,” Educ. Inf. Technol., vol. 25, no. 2, pp. 889–903, 2020, doi: 10.1007/s10639-019-09995-z.
[21] S. Inganah, R. Darmayanti, and N. Rizki, “Problems, Solutions, and Expectations: 6C Integration of 21 st Century Education into Learning Mathematics,” JEMS (Journal Math. Sci. Educ., vol. 11, no. 1, pp. 220–238, 2023.
[22] W. R. Tumangger, I. A. Khalil, and R. C. I. Prahmana, “The Impact of Realistic Mathematics Education-based Student Worksheet for Improving Students’ Mathematical Problem-Solving Skills,” IndoMath Indones. Math. Educ., vol. 7, no. 2, p. 196, 2024, doi: 10.30738/indomath.v7i2.122.
[23] M. Van den Heuvel-Panhuizen and P. Drijvers, Realistic Mathematics Education. 2014. doi: 10.1007/978-94-007-4978-8_170.
[24] R. Yilmaz, “Prospective mathematics teachers’ cognitive competencies on realistic mathematics education,” J. Math. Educ., vol. 11, no. 1, pp. 17–44, 2020, doi: 10.22342/jme.11.1.8690.17-44.
[25] T. Shahidayanti, R. Charitas, I. Prahmana, and F. A. Fran, “Integrating Ethno-Realistic Mathematics Education in developing three-dimensional instructional module,” J. Honai Math, vol. 7, no. December, pp. 379–400, 2024.
[26] R. E. Simamora and S. A. Ramadhanta, “Investigating the effects of Realistic Mathematics Education on mathematical creativity through a mixed-methods approach,” Indones. J. Sci. Math. Educ., vol. 7, no. 2, p. 337, 2024, doi: 10.24042/ijsme.v7i2.21221.
[27] N. Listiawati et al., “Analysis of implementing Realistic Mathematics Education principles to enhance mathematics competence of slow learner students,” J. Math. Educ., vol. 14, no. 4, pp. 683–700, 2023, doi: 10.22342/jme.v14i4.pp683-700.
[28] Armiati, A. Fauzan, Y. Harisman, and F. Sya’Bani, “Local instructional theory of probability topics based on realistic mathematics education for eight-grade students,” J. Math. Educ., vol. 13, no. 4, pp. 703–722, 2022, doi: 10.22342/jme.v13i4.pp703-722.
[29] Meryansumayeka, Zulkardi, R. I. I. Putri, and C. Hiltrimartin, “Designing geometrical learning activities assisted with ICT media for supporting students’ higher order thinking skills,” J. Math. Educ., vol. 13, no. 1, pp. 135–148, 2022, doi: 10.22342/jme.v13i1.pp135-148.
[30] Muhtarom, Nizaruddin, F. Nursyahidah, and N. Happy, “the Effectiveness of Realistic Mathematics Education To Improve Students’ Multi-Representation Ability,” Infin. J., vol. 8, no. 1, pp. 21–30, 2019, doi: 10.22460/infinity.v8i1.p21-30.
[31] U. Umbara and Z. Nuraeni, “Implementation of Realistic Mathematics,” J. Math. Educ., vol. 8, no. 2, pp. 167–178, 2019.
[32] R. C. I. Prahmana, L. Sagita, W. Hidayat, and N. W. Utami, “Two Decades of Realistic Mathematics Education Research in Indonesia: a Survey,” Infin. J., vol. 9, no. 2, pp. 223–246, 2020, doi: 10.22460/infinity.v9i2.p223-246.
[33] A. Fauzan et al., “Realistic Mathematics Education (Rme) To Improve Literacy and Numeracy Skills of Elementary School Students Based on Teachers’ Experience,” Infin. J., vol. 13, no. 2, pp. 301–316, 2024, doi: 10.22460/infinity.v13i2.p301-316.
[34] C. Febriani, S. Aryzki, Rohama, and R. Saputri, “Pengaruh Pemberian Edukasi Untuk Meningkatkan Pengetahuan Masyarakat Tentang Dagusibu ( Dapatkan , Gunakan , Simpan , Buang ) Obat Antibiotik di Desa Tangkahen Kalimantan Tengah The Effect of Providing Education to Increase Public Knowledge about Dagusibu,” J. Surya Med., vol. 265–271, no. Yarza, 2024.
[35] R. Rasmitadila, R. Rachmadtullah, A. Samsudin, M. Nurtanto, and M. N. Jauhari, “Limited face-to-face learning on students in inclusive classrooms during the Covid-19 pandemic: Perceptions of elementary school teachers in Indonesia,” Cogent Educ., vol. 10, no. 1, 2023, doi: 10.1080/2331186X.2023.2213612.
[36] A. Jaedun, M. Nurtanto, F. Mutohhari, I. N. Saputro, and N. Kholifah, “Perceptions of vocational school students and teachers on the development of interpersonal skills towards Industry 5.0,” Cogent Educ., vol. 11, no. 1, p., 2024, doi: 10.1080/2331186X.2024.2375184.
[37] Jailani et al., “A phenomenological study of challenges that prospective mathematics teachers face in developing mathematical problems that require higher-order thinking skills,” Eurasia J. Math. Sci. Technol. Educ., vol. 19, no. 10, 2023, doi: 10.29333/ejmste/13631.
[38] J. Abah, “An Appeal in the Case involving Conventional Teaching: Emphasizing the Transformation to Enhanced Conventional Teaching in Mathematics Education,” VillageMath Educ. Rev., vol. 1, no. 1, pp. 1–10, 2020, doi: 10.5281/zenodo.3860320.
[39] N. T. T. Lau, Z. Hawes, P. Tremblay, and D. Ansari, “Disentangling the individual and contextual effects of math anxiety: A global perspective,” Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A., vol. 119, no. 7, pp. 1–11, 2022, doi: 10.1073/pnas.2115855119.
[40] V. M. Kolar and T. Hodnik, “Mathematical literacy from the perspective of solving contextual problems,” Eur. J. Educ. Res., vol. 10, no. 1, pp. 467–483, 2021, doi: 10.12973/EU-JER.10.1.467.
[41] M. Tamur, E. Jehadus, F. Nendi, K. Mandur, and V. Murni, “Assessing the effectiveness of the contextual teaching and learning model on students’ mathematical understanding ability: A meta-analysis study,” J. Phys. Conf. Ser., vol. 1657, no. 1, pp. 0–8, 2020, doi: 10.1088/1742-6596/1657/1/012067.
[42] N. H. Salsabila, U. Lu’luilmaknun, R. A. Apsari, N. P. Wulandari, and S. Sripatmi, “The Perspectives of Mathematics Pre-Service Teacher Student Toward the Use of Educational Games in Mathematics Learning,” Edumatika J. Ris. Pendidik. Mat., vol. 3, no. 2, p. 85, 2020, doi: 10.32939/ejrpm.v3i2.527.
[43] E. K. Alghiffari, R. ChaAnggraini, R. S., & Fauzan, A. (2020). The Effect of Realistic Mathematics Education Approach on Mathematical Problem Solving Ability. 3(November), 94–102.ritas, I. Prahmana, and B. Evans, “The impact of Ethno-Realistic Mathematics Education-based e- module in strengthening students ’ problem - solving abilities,” J. Elem., vol. 10, no. 3, pp. 546–566, 2024.
[44] M. Nurjamaludin, D. Gunawan, R. K. Adireja, and N. Alani, “Realistic Mathematics Education (RME) approach to increase student’s problem solving skill in elementary school,” J. Phys. Conf. Ser., vol. 1987, no. 1, pp. 0–4, 2021, doi: 10.1088/1742-6596/1987/1/012034.
[45] L. M. Angraini and I. Muhammad, “Analisis Bibliometrik: Tren Penelitian RME dalam Pembelajaran Matematika selama Pandemi,” JNPM (Jurnal Nas. Pendidik. Mat., vol. 7, no. 2, p. 224, 2023, doi: 10.33603/jnpm.v7i2.7817.
[46] T. T. Do et al., “Factors influencing teachers’ intentions to use realistic mathematics education in Vietnam: An extension of the theory of planned behavior,” J. Math. Educ., vol. 12, no. 2, pp. 331–348, 2021, doi: 10.22342/JME.12.2.14094.331-348.
[47] S. A. Pratiwi and D. B. Widjajanti, “Contextual problem in mathematical problem solving: Core ability in Realistic Mathematics Education,” J. Phys. Conf. Ser., vol. 1613, no. 1, pp. 0–8, 2020, doi: 10.1088/1742-6596/1613/1/012018.
[48] N. F. Siregar, “Pemahaman Konsep Matematika Siswa SMP Melalui Pendekatan Realistic Mathematics Education,” J. Cendekia J. Pendidik. Mat., vol. 05, no. 02, pp. 1919–1927, 2021.
[49] N. R. Rahmawati, P. Utomo, and A. Rohmawati, “Indonesian Journal of Character Education Research The Influence of School Environment on the Character Building of Discipline and Politeness of Primary School Students,” OPEN ACCESS J. Indones. J. Character Educ. Res., vol. 1, no. 2, pp. 53–62, 2023.
[50] N. Hakim and E. Sitepu, “Implementation of the Realistic Mathematics Education ( RME ) Approach in Geometry Learning in Secondary Schools,” Aksioma J. Mat., vol. 1, no. 3, pp. 16–30, 2024, doi: 10.62872/y2rh7g04.
[51] I. P. A. A. Payadnya, I. M. Wena, P. S. Noviantari, I. M. P. K. Palgunadi, and A. D. C. Pradnyanita, “Development of RME Learning Media Based on Virtual Exhibition to Improve Students’ High Order Thinking Skills (HOTS),” Math. Teaching-Research J., vol. 15, no. 5, pp. 129–156, 2023.
[52] T. T. Nguyen et al., “Realistic mathematics education in Vietnam: Recent policies and practices,” Int. J. Educ. Pract., vol. 8, no. 1, pp. 57–71, 2020, doi: 10.18488/journal.61.2020.81.57.71.
[53] N. T. Da, “Designing a teaching model based on the Realistic Mathematics Education (RME) approach and its application in teaching calculus,” J. Math. Sci. Teach., vol. 2, no. 1, p. em006, 2022, doi: 10.29333/mathsciteacher/11918.
[54] Y. Septriyana, A. Fauzan, and R. Ahmad, “The Influence of Realistic Mathematics Education (RME) Approach on Students’ Mathematical Problem Solving Ability,” Prism. Sains J. Pengkaj. Ilmu dan Pembelajaran Mat. dan IPA IKIP Mataram, vol. 12, no. 3, pp. 428–438, 2019, doi: 10.2991/icoie-18.2019.38.
[55] P. ÜREDİ and A. DOĞANAY, “Developing the Skill of Associating Mathematics with Real Life Through Realistic Mathematics Education: An Action Research,” Kuramsal Eğitimbilim, vol. 16, no. 2, pp. 394–422, 2023, doi: 10.30831/akukeg.1214339.
Published
2024-06-26
How to Cite
Miharja, M. A., Bulayi, M., & Triet, L. V. M. (2024). Realistic Mathematics Education: Unlocking Problem-Solving Potential in Students. Interval: Indonesian Journal of Mathematical Education, 2(1), 50-59. https://doi.org/10.37251/ijome.v2i1.1344
Section
Articles

Most read articles by the same author(s)