Main Article Content
Abstract
Mathematics is essential for individuals to solve everyday life problems. However, students remain insufficiently motivated in mathematics learning, necessitating the implementation of engaging teaching approaches integrated with other disciplines, such as STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics). This study investigated the effectiveness of a STEAM-based Project-Based Learning (PjBL) approach on mathematical literacy and character development among secondary school students. Utilizing a mixed-methods convergent parallel design, the research employed quantitative and qualitative techniques. The quantitative data collection used a literacy skills test to measure mathematical literacy. Meanwhile, the qualitative data collection to measure students' character utilized surveys, interviews, and observations. Quantitative data analysis was conducted using the Kruskal-Wallis test, while qualitative data analysis employed triangulation, including data reduction, data presentation, and data verification stages. The study results revealed that students' mathematical literacy significantly improved after participating in STEAM-PjBL-based learning. Additionally, STEAM-PjBL fosters the development of students' character traits, including teamwork, communication, and responsibility, highlighting its potential to support holistic educational outcomes. These findings indicate that integrating STEAM principles with PjBL enhances academic performance and cultivates critical 21st-century skills.
Keywords
Character development
Literacy skills
Project-based learning
STEAM-based learning
Article Details

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
References
- Aguilera, D., & Ortiz-Revilla, J. (2021). STEM vs. STEAM education and student creativity: A systematic literature review. Education Sciences, 11(7), 331. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci11070331
- Ahmad, D. N., Astriani, M. M., Alfahnum, M., & Setyowati, L. (2021). Increasing creative thinking of students by learning organization with steam education. Jurnal Pendidikan IPA Indonesia, 10(1), 103-110. https://doi.org/10.15294/jpii.v10i1.27146
- Akman, E., & Çakır, R. (2023). The effect of educational virtual reality game on primary school students’ achievement and engagement in mathematics. Interactive Learning Environments, 31(3), 1467-1484. https://doi.org/10.1080/10494820.2020.1841800
- Albeshree, F., Al-Manasia, M., Lemckert, C., Liu, S., & Tran, D. (2022). Mathematics teaching pedagogies to tertiary engineering and information technology students: a literature review. International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and Technology, 53(6), 1609-1628. https://doi.org/10.1080/0020739X.2020.1837399
- Aleksić, G., Merrell, C., Ferring, D., Tymms, P., & Klemenović, J. (2019). Links between socio-emotional skills, behavior, mathematics and literacy performance of preschool children in Serbia. European Journal of Psychology of Education, 34(2), 417-438. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10212-018-0387-8
- Alwiyah, D., & Imaniyati, N. (2018). Keterampilan mengajar guru dan kesiapan belajar siswa sebagai determinan terhadap hasil belajar siswa [Teacher teaching skills and student learning readiness as determinants of student learning outcomes]. Jurnal Manajerial, 17(1), 95-103. https://doi.org/10.17509/manajerial.v17i1.9767
- Andriyani, A., Santosa, A. B., & Saryadi, W. (2022). Effectiveness of Microsoft Kaizala and Google Classroom towards students’ mathematical communication skill and self-efficacy in learning statistics. Bulletin of Applied Mathematics and Mathematics Education, 2(1), 33-46. https://doi.org/10.12928/bamme.v2i1.5523
- Angraini, G., & Sriyati, S. (2019). Analisis kemampuan berpikir tingkat tinggi siswa SMAN Kelas X di kota Solok pada konten biologi [Analysis of high-level thinking skills of grade X senior high school students in Solok city on biology content]. Journal of Education Informatic Technology and Science (JeITS), 1(1), 114-124.
- Bai, B., & Wang, J. (2023). The role of growth mindset, self-efficacy and intrinsic value in self-regulated learning and English language learning achievements. Language Teaching Research, 27(1), 207-228. https://doi.org/10.1177/1362168820933190
- Başaran, M., & Bay, E. (2023). The effect of project-based STEAM activities on the social and cognitive skills of preschool children. Early Child Development and Care, 193(5), 679-697. https://doi.org/10.1080/03004430.2022.2146682
- Becker, K. H., & Park, K. (2011). Integrative approaches among science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) subjects on students’ learning: A meta-analysis. Journal of STEM Education: Innovations and Research, 12(5), 23-37.
- Bertrand, M. G., & Namukasa, I. K. (2020). STEAM education: student learning and transferable skills. Journal of Research in Innovative Teaching & Learning, 13(1), 43-56. https://doi.org/10.1108/JRIT-01-2020-0003
- Boice, K. L., Jackson, J. R., Alemdar, M., Rao, A. E., Grossman, S., & Usselman, M. (2021). Supporting teachers on their STEAM journey: A collaborative STEAM teacher training program. Education Sciences, 11(3), 105. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci11030105
- Cai, J. (2023). Evaluation of blended teaching in STEAM education using structural equation model questionnaire technology. International Journal of Emerging Technologies in Learning (iJET), 18(19), 72-83. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijet.v18i19.43873
- Chang, C.-Y., Du, Z., Kuo, H.-C., & Chang, C.-C. (2023). Investigating the impact of design thinking-based STEAM PBL on students’ creativity and computational thinking. IEEE Transactions on Education, 66(6), 673-681. https://doi.org/10.1109/TE.2023.3297221
- Chen, C.-C., & Huang, P.-H. (2023). The effects of STEAM-based mobile learning on learning achievement and cognitive load. Interactive Learning Environments, 31(1), 100-116. https://doi.org/10.1080/10494820.2020.1761838
- Chen, R. H. (2021). Fostering students’ workplace communicative competence and collaborative mindset through an inquiry-based learning design. Education Sciences, 11(1), 17. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci11010017
- Chistyakov, A. A., Zhdanov, S. P., Avdeeva, E. L., Dyadichenko, E. A., Kunitsyna, M. L., & Yagudina, R. I. (2023). Exploring the characteristics and effectiveness of project-based learning for science and STEAM education. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 19(5), em2256. https://doi.org/10.29333/ejmste/13128
- Conradty, C., & Bogner, F. X. (2020). STEAM teaching professional development works: effects on students’ creativity and motivation. Smart learning environments, 7(1), 26. https://doi.org/10.1186/s40561-020-00132-9
- Cunha, M. N., Figueiredo, J., Oliveira, I., & Maçães, M. (2024). Motivating students for success: A review of new projects in teaching based on STEM education. Economics: Time Realities, 71(1), 65-71. https://doi.org/10.15276/ETR.01.2024.8
- Diego-Mantecon, J.-M., Prodromou, T., Lavicza, Z., Blanco, T. F., & Ortiz-Laso, Z. (2021). An attempt to evaluate STEAM project-based instruction from a school mathematics perspective. ZDM – Mathematics Education, 53(5), 1137-1148. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11858-021-01303-9
- Dostál, J., Děrda, R., Částková, P., Mrázek, M., Kubrický, J., Steingartner, W., Bučková, H., Janu, M., & Kronáč, J. (2022). Innovative Concept of STEAM Education at Primary Schools in the Czech Republic-Support for Implementation in School Practice. In 2022 IEEE 16th International Scientific Conference on Informatics (Informatics), Poprad, Slovakia (pp. 60-66). https://doi.org/10.1109/Informatics57926.2022.10083467
- Duo-Terron, P., Hinojo-Lucena, F.-J., Moreno-Guerrero, A.-J., & López-Núñez, J.-A. (2022). STEAM in primary education. impact on linguistic and mathematical competences in a disadvantaged context. Frontiers in Education, 7, 792656. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2022.792656
- Effendi, K. N. S., Zulkardi, Z., Putri, R. I. I., & Yaniawati, P. (2020). Reading text for school literacy movement in mathematics learning. Jurnal Pendidikan Matematika, 14(2), 145-154. https://doi.org/10.22342/jpm.14.2.6731.145-154
- Fauzan, A., Harisman, Y., Yerizon, Y., Suherman, S., Tasman, F., Nisa, S., Sumarwati, S., Hafizatunnisa, H., & Syaputra, H. (2024). Realistic mathematics education (RME) to improve literacy and numeracy skills of elementary school students based on teachers’ experience. Infinity Journal, 13(2), 301-316. https://doi.org/10.22460/infinity.v13i2.p301-316
- Fisher, D., Yaniawati, P., & Kusumah, Y. S. (2017). The use of CORE model by metacognitive skill approach in developing characters junior high school students. AIP Conference Proceedings, 1868(1), 050010. https://doi.org/10.1063/1.4995137
- Gabriel, F., Buckley, S., & Barthakur, A. (2020). The impact of mathematics anxiety on self-regulated learning and mathematical literacy. Australian Journal of Education, 64(3), 227-242. https://doi.org/10.1177/0004944120947881
- Gellert, U., Jablonka, E., & Keitel, C. (2013). Mathematical literacy and common sense in mathematics education. In B. Atweh, H. Forgasz, & B. Nebres (Eds.), Sociocultural research on mathematics education (pp. 57-73). Routledge.
- Hadiyanti, N. F. D., Hobri, H., Prihandoko, A. C., Susanto, S., Murtikusuma, R. P., Khasanah, N., & Maharani, P. (2021). Development of mathematics e-module with STEM-collaborative project based learning to improve mathematical literacy ability of vocational high school students. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1839(1), 012031. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1839/1/012031
- Hardman, J. (2019). Towards a pedagogical model of teaching with ICTs for mathematics attainment in primary school: A review of studies 2008-2018. Heliyon, 5(5), e01726. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.heliyon.2019.e01726
- Harisman, Y., Noto, M. S., & Hidayat, W. (2021). Investigation of students' behavior in mathematical problem solving. Infinity Journal, 10(2), 235-258. https://doi.org/10.22460/infinity.v10i2.p235-258
- Herrero, A. C., Recio, T., Tolmos, P., & Vélez, M. P. (2023). From the STEAM engine to STEAM education: An experience with pre-service mathematics teachers. Mathematics, 11(2), 473. https://doi.org/10.3390/math11020473
- Herro, D., Quigley, C., Plank, H., Abimbade, O., & Owens, A. (2022). Instructional practices promoting computational thinking in STEAM elementary classrooms. Journal of Digital Learning in Teacher Education, 38(4), 158-172. https://doi.org/10.1080/21532974.2022.2087125
- Hsiao, P.-W., & Su, C.-H. (2021). A study on the impact of STEAM education for sustainable development courses and its effects on student motivation and learning. Sustainability, 13(7), 3772. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13073772
- Hsu, Y.-C. (2020). Exploring the learning motivation and effectiveness of applying virtual reality to high school mathematics. Universal Journal of Educational Research, 8(2), 438-444. https://doi.org/10.13189/ujer.2020.080214
- Indahwati, S. D., Rachmadiarti, F., & Hariyono, E. (2023). Integration of PJBL, STEAM, and learning tool development in improving students' critical thinking skills. IJORER: International Journal of Recent Educational Research, 4(6), 808-818. https://doi.org/10.46245/ijorer.v4i6.434
- Ishartono, N., Razak, R. b. A., Kholid, M. N., Arlinwibowo, J., & Afiyah, A. N. (2024). Integrating STEAM into flip flop model to improve students’ understanding on composition of functions during online learning. Infinity Journal, 13(1), 45-60. https://doi.org/10.22460/infinity.v13i1.p45-60
- Iyer, V., Naandheny, S., & Manjuri, D. (2023). A Review of Pedagogical Advancements in Mathematics Education for Future Engineers. In 2023 2nd International Conference on Advancements in Electrical, Electronics, Communication, Computing and Automation (ICAECA), Coimbatore, India (pp. 1-6). https://doi.org/10.1109/ICAECA56562.2023.10200980
- Jesionkowska, J., Wild, F., & Deval, Y. (2020). Active learning augmented reality for STEAM education—A case study. Education Sciences, 10(8), 198. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci10080198
- Kadir, D., Judijanto, L., Widodo, J., Sidik, E. A., Haq, M. S., & Santosa, T. A. (2023). The effect STEAM based discovery learning model on students thinking ability: Meta-analysis study. Jurnal Penelitian Pendidikan IPA, 9(12), 1245-1253. https://doi.org/10.29303/jppipa.v9i12.5944
- Kariadinata, R., Yaniawati, R. P., Juariah, J., Sugilar, H., & Muthmainah, A. (2019). Spatial thinking ability and mathematical character students through Cabri 3D with a scientific approach. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1402(7), 077094. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1402/7/077094
- Khairani, C. P., & Mudjiran, M. (2022). Pengembangan modul bimbingan dan konseling untuk meningkatkan karakter tangguh siswa dalam belajar [Development of guidance and counseling modules to improve students' resilient character in learning]. Jurnal Riset Tindakan Indonesia, 7(4), 642-650.
- Kim, Y. E., Morton, B. G., Gregorio, J., Rosen, D. S., Edouard, K., & Vallett, R. (2019). Enabling creative collaboration for all levels of learning. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 116(6), 1878-1885. https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1808678115
- Körtesi, P., Simonka, Z., Szabo, Z. K., Guncaga, J., & Neag, R. (2022). Challenging examples of the wise use of computer tools for the sustainability of knowledge and developing active and innovative methods in STEAM and mathematics education. Sustainability, 14(20), 12991. https://doi.org/10.3390/su142012991
- Kozakli Ulger, T., Bozkurt, I., & Altun, M. (2022). Analyzing in-service teachers' process of mathematical literacy problem posing. International Electronic Journal of Mathematics Education, 17(3), em0687. https://doi.org/10.29333/iejme/11985
- Kurniawati, R. P., Gunawan, I., & Marlina, D. (2020). Mathematic literation abilities based on problem solving abilities in first class 4 of elementary school. In 2nd Early Childhood and Primary Childhood Education (ECPE 2020), (pp. 186-192). https://doi.org/10.2991/assehr.k.201112.033
- Li, J., Luo, H., Zhao, L., Zhu, M., Ma, L., & Liao, X. (2022). Promoting STEAM education in primary school through cooperative teaching: A design-based research study. Sustainability, 14(16), 10333. https://doi.org/10.3390/su141610333
- Lin, C.-L., & Tsai, C.-Y. (2021). The effect of a pedagogical STEAM model on students’ project competence and learning motivation. Journal of Science Education and Technology, 30(1), 112-124. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10956-020-09885-x
- Mahlow, C., & Hediger, A. (2021). Education as loosely coupled system of technology and pedagogy. On Education: Journal for Research and Debate, 4(12), 1-11.
- Murtiyasa, B., & Perwita, W. R. G. (2020). Analysis of mathematics literation ability of students in completing PISA-oriented mathematics problems with changes and relationships content. Universal Journal of Educational Research, 8(7), 3160-3172. https://doi.org/10.13189/ujer.2020.080745
- Nantschev, R., Feuerstein, E., González, R. T., Alonso, I. G., Hackl, W. O., Petridis, K., Triantafyllou, E., & Ammenwerth, E. (2020). Teaching approaches and educational technologies in teaching mathematics in higher education. Education Sciences, 10(12), 354. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci10120354
- Ng, A. (2024). Empowering Malaysian early childhood practitioners’ sustainable inclusive practices through the ‘integrating and navigating Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics’(inSTEAM) framework. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 20(11), em2531. https://doi.org/10.29333/ejmste/15579
- Ní Shé, C., Ní Fhloinn, E., & Mac an Bhaird, C. (2023). Student engagement with technology-enhanced resources in mathematics in higher education: A review. Mathematics, 11(3), 787. https://doi.org/10.3390/math11030787
- Novita, R., & Herman, T. (2021). Digital technology in learning mathematical literacy, can it helpful? Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1776(1), 012027. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1776/1/012027
- Ozkan, G., & Umdu Topsakal, U. (2021). Investigating the effectiveness of STEAM education on students’ conceptual understanding of force and energy topics. Research in Science & Technological Education, 39(4), 441-460. https://doi.org/10.1080/02635143.2020.1769586
- Pellegrini, M., Lake, C., Neitzel, A., & Slavin, R. E. (2021). Effective programs in elementary mathematics: A meta-analysis. AERA Open, 7(1), 1-29. https://doi.org/10.1177/2332858420986211
- Putri, A. S., Prasetyo, Z. K., Purwastuti, L. A., Prodjosantoso, A. K., & Putranta, H. (2023). Effectiveness of STEAM-based blended learning on students’ critical and creative thinking skills. International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education (IJERE), 12(1), 44-52. https://doi.org/10.11591/ijere.v12i1.22506
- Quigley, C. F., Herro, D., Shekell, C., Cian, H., & Jacques, L. (2020). Connected learning in STEAM classrooms: opportunities for engaging youth in science and math classrooms. International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education, 18(8), 1441-1463. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10763-019-10034-z
- Rahmawati, Y., Taylor, E., Taylor, P. C., Ridwan, A., & Mardiah, A. (2022). Students’ engagement in education as sustainability: Implementing an ethical dilemma-STEAM teaching model in chemistry learning. Sustainability, 14(6), 3554. https://doi.org/10.3390/su14063554
- Rodríguez-Nieto, C. A., & Alsina, Á. (2022). Networking between ethnomathematics, STEAM education, and the globalized approach to analyze mathematical connections in daily practices. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics Science and Technology Education, 18(3), em2085. https://doi.org/10.29333/ejmste/11710
- Setiawati, S., Herman, T., & Jupri, A. (2017). Investigating middle school students’ difficulties in mathematical literacy problems level 1 and 2. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 909(1), 012063. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/909/1/012063
- Shi, A., Wang, Y., & Ding, N. (2022). The effect of game–based immersive virtual reality learning environment on learning outcomes: designing an intrinsic integrated educational game for pre–class learning. Interactive Learning Environments, 30(4), 721-734. https://doi.org/10.1080/10494820.2019.1681467
- Silawati, E. (2019). New media literacy in the context of early childhood education (An overview from Indonesian kindergarten future teachers). In International Conference on Education, Social Sciences and Humanities, (pp. 12-16).
- Siregar, Y. E. Y., Rahmawati, Y., & Suyono, S. (2023). The impact of an integrated STEAM project delivered via mobile technology on the reasoning ability of elementary school students. JOTSE: Journal of Technology and Science Education, 13(1), 410-428. https://doi.org/10.3926/jotse.1446
- Stacey, K. (2015). The international assessment of mathematical literacy: PISA 2012 framework and items. In S. J. Cho (Ed.), Selected Regular Lectures from the 12th International Congress on Mathematical Education (pp. 771-790). Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-17187-6_43
- Suganda, E., Latifah, S., Irwandani, Sari, P. M., Rahmayanti, H., Ichsan, I. Z., & Mehadi Rahman, M. (2021). STEAM and Environment on students’ creative-thinking skills: A meta-analysis study. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1796(1), 012101. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1796/1/012101
- Sukmawati, E., Imanah, N. D. N., & Rantauni, D. A. (2023). Implementation and challenges of project-based learning of STEAM in the university during the pandemic: A systematic literature review. JINoP (Jurnal Inovasi Pembelajaran), 9(1), 128-139. https://doi.org/10.22219/jinop.v9i1.25177
- Supianti, I. I., Yaniawati, P., Osman, S. Z. M., Al-Tamar, J., & Lestari, N. (2022). Development of teaching materials for e-learning-based statistics materials oriented towards the mathematical literacy ability of vocational high school students. Infinity Journal, 11(2), 237-254. https://doi.org/10.22460/infinity.v11i2.p237-254
- Umbara, U., Prabawanto, S., & Jatisunda, M. G. (2023). Combination of mathematical literacy with ethnomathematics: How to perspective sundanese culture. Infinity Journal, 12(2), 393-414. https://doi.org/10.22460/infinity.v12i2.p393-414
- Wahba, F. A.-A., Tabieh, A. A., & Banat, S. Y. (2022). The power of STEAM activities in enhancing the level of metacognitive awareness of mathematics among students at the primary stage. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 18(11), em2185. https://doi.org/10.29333/ejmste/12562
- Wijaya, T. T., Hidayat, W., Hermita, N., Alim, J. A., & Talib, C. A. (2024). Exploring contributing factors to PISA 2022 mathematics achievement: Insights from Indonesian teachers. Infinity Journal, 13(1), 139-156. https://doi.org/10.22460/infinity.v13i1.p139-156
- Witdiya, T., Supriadi, G., Supriatin, A., & Annovasho, J. (2023). The effect of STEAM learning on improving each indicator of students’ creative thinking in physics learning. Jurnal Ilmiah Pendidikan Fisika, 7(1), 42-50. https://doi.org/10.20527/jipf.v7i1.7158
- Yaniawati, P., Fisher, D., Permadi, Y. D., & Yatim, S. A. M. (2023). Development of mobile-based digital learning materials in blended learning oriented to students’ mathematical literacy. International Journal of Information and Education Technology, 13(9), 1338-1347. https://doi.org/10.18178/ijiet.2023.13.9.1936
- Yaniawati, P., & Indrawan, R. (2024). Metode penelitian: Konsep, teknik, dan aplikasi [Research methods: Concepts, techniques and applications]. Refika Aditama.
- Yeager, D. S., & Dweck, C. S. (2020). What can be learned from growth mindset controversies? American psychologist, 75(9), 1269-1284. https://doi.org/10.1037/amp0000794
- Yeager, D. S., Hanselman, P., Walton, G. M., Murray, J. S., Crosnoe, R., Muller, C., Tipton, E., Schneider, B., Hulleman, C. S., Hinojosa, C. P., Paunesku, D., Romero, C., Flint, K., Roberts, A., Trott, J., Iachan, R., Buontempo, J., Yang, S. M., Carvalho, C. M., . . . Dweck, C. S. (2019). A national experiment reveals where a growth mindset improves achievement. Nature, 573(7774), 364-369. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-019-1466-y
- Zhang, J., Wang, Y., Leong, C., Mao, Y., & Yuan, Z. (2024). Bridging stories and science: An fNIRS-based hyperscanning investigation into child learning in STEM. NeuroImage, 285, 120486. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.neuroimage.2023.120486
- Ziatdinov, R., & Valles, J. R. (2022). Synthesis of modeling, visualization, and programming in GeoGebra as an effective approach for teaching and learning STEM topics. Mathematics, 10(3), 398. https://doi.org/10.3390/math10030398