Infinity Journal

Integrating local wisdoms for improving students’ mathematical literacy: The promising context in learning whole numbers

Samuel Igo Leton, Meryani Lakapu, Wilfridus Beda Nuba Dosinaeng, Nelly Fitriani — Wed, 05 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

The gap in the decline in PISA scores is likely due to an abstract and contextually irrelevant approach to teaching mathematics, which often fails to connect everyday experiences that utilize the potential of local wisdom to make learning more engaging and culturally relevant. This research aimed to develop mathematics learning materials that integrate local wisdom to improve students' mathematical literacy skills. The study employed the Research and Development (R&D) method with the ADDIE development model. The developed learning materials incorporated elements of Timor local culture, including traditional houses, handwoven fabrics, and traditional games, as contextual tools to enrich the learning experience. The quality of the developed product was evaluated for three aspects: validity, practicality, and effectiveness. The validation results showed an average score of 93.1%, which is included in the very valid category. Product implementation showed a significant increase in trial results, with all students meeting the minimum competency criteria after using the learning materials. The final score of students' responses after using this developed product is 96.93%, categorized as very practical. The average N-Gain score of 0.76 significantly increased students' mathematical literacy skills. Feedback from students highlighted that learning materials inspired by local wisdom made the learning process more engaging and relatable. Teachers appreciated the inclusion of cultural elements, noting that they facilitated a deeper connection between mathematical concepts and students' everyday experiences. The research underscores the transformative potential of a culture-based approach in mathematics education.

"Ajarin" mobile: A mobile technology-based learning application to improve students' mathematical understanding

Hera Deswita, Muhammad Japar, Etin Solihatin — Mon, 03 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Several previous studies have tried to develop mathematics learning applications, but they are still limited as a learning medium. Developing a digital-based mathematics learning application that facilitates learning from start to finish is necessary. This study aims to develop a viable and effective mobile application. The Development Process uses the CAI design model, which includes needs assessment, design, and development & implementation. Formative evaluations were obtained from expert reviews and students. The experts involved are experts in content, learning media, and multimedia. The formative evaluation stage by students includes one-to-one trials, small groups, and field trials. Research data was collected through questionnaires and test questions. This study involved 1 teacher and 52 high school students in Indonesia. The average score of expert reviews is 3.6, which is in the category of very good. The average score obtained from Formative Evaluation by students is 3.5, with an excellent category. The pretest and post-test scores showed an increase of 40% in students who achieved the completeness of learning outcomes. The average score of N-gain is 0.4 in the medium category. The Ajarin Mobile Application is feasible and effective in improving students' mathematics learning outcomes. This research is expected to be an alternative digital learning resource that makes it easier for teachers to facilitate mathematics learning in schools.

Development of mobile augmented reality-based geometry learning games to facilitate spatial reasoning

Arif Sapta Mandala, Lathiful Anwar, Cholis Sa'dijah, Hutkemri Zulnaidi — Mon, 03 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Geometry learning requires a comprehensive understanding of spatial reasoning, but students face difficulty in mastering the skill. As a virtual technology, Augmented Reality (AR) offers a solution to overcome the challenges in spatial reasoning with the potential to represent and manipulate objects and develop spatial images mentally. Therefore, this research aimed to develop a mobile educational game named GEMBI AR to support students' spatial reasoning skills in geometry learning. The ADDIE model consists of analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation phases used to conduct research and development (R&D). The participants included six expert validators, two mathematics teachers, and eighteen eighth graders. In addition, the expert validators validated GEMBI AR in terms of quality. The result showed that GEMBI AR was valid as a geometry learning tool. According to the feedback of teachers and students, GEMBI AR was practical for educational purposes since the application positively impacted spatial reasoning. Students' spatial reasoning skills were also enhanced to compare the differences in the pre-test and post-test using Wilcoxon (Z = –3.578, p = 0.000 < 0.05). Meanwhile, the N-Gain score of 0.576, showing moderate improvement, reflected gains in spatial perception, mental rotation, and visualization. These findings suggest that GEMBI AR is a functional and valid educational resource useful for helping students develop geometric spatial reasoning. Thus, geometry learning supported by GEMBI AR has the potential to enhance spatial reasoning in secondary school.

STEAM approach in project-based learning to develop mathematical literacy and students' character

Sun, 26 Jan 2025 00:00:00 +0000

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.

Mathematical modelling in higher education: Evolving research and emerging trends (1980–2023)

Pham Nguyen Hong Ngu, Nguyen Danh Nam, Le Minh Cuong, Trinh Thi Phuong Thao — Wed, 19 Feb 2025 00:00:00 +0000

Mathematical education in higher education plays a significant role in training future citizens with problem-solving skills to meet professional requirements. One of the trends in teaching mathematics at universities that has received much focus is teaching mathematics through modelling. The article uses the bibliometric analysis method through Bibliometrix and VOSviewer software to analyze 271 publications extracted from the Scopus database to provide an overall picture of mathematics modelling research in higher education from 1980 to 2023. The results indicate that the growth trend of publications is unstable, with a significant increase in the last 5 years. The United States and China are the two leading countries in terms of the number of published publications and citations; Tecnológico de Monterrey (Mexico) is the affiliation with the highest number of publications; the Book series “International Perspectives on the Teaching and Learning of Mathematical Modelling” is the most release source on this topic. The article also analyzes co-occurring keywords and identifies 03 research trends on this topic, including using technology and computer programming in mathematics modelling curriculum for students of technical universities, teaching mathematic modelling in universities, as well as using technology in teaching modelling and STEM education, innovating teaching methods of mathematics modelling and applying information technology in teaching mathematics modelling in pedagogic training programs. This is the first bibliometric study on mathematics modelling. These important research results help scholars interested in this research direction have an overview through useful quantitative information regarding mathematical modelling research in higher education worldwide, thereby developing appropriate research trends.