Infinity Journal

Does students' thought structure in object configuration patterns follow cognitive verbs in learning outcomes?

2024-12-27T15:28:24+00:00

This study aims to comprehensively investigate students' learning approach in identifying, predicting, and generalizing object and number configuration. A qualitative method was applied with as many as 28 participants from eighth-grade students in Bandung, Indonesia. Students’ ability to recognize, predict, and generalize the configuration of objects and numbers was assessed. At the same time, the approaches employed in the process were analyzed. The research showed that students used different approaches to figure out the pattern of objects and number configuration. These approaches were: descriptive, operational, visual-descriptive, visual-operational, and descriptive-visual-operational. Keywords were typically employed in the descriptive approach to predict unknown objects or numbers. However, the descriptive approach could not accurately predict specific patterns. Therefore, students employed other approaches, including operational, visual-descriptive, visual-operational, and descriptive-visual-operational approaches. Unfortunately, all approaches have proven inadequate for formulating generalizations (general rules) independently. These results showed that when teaching students how numbers and objects are configured, they should be encouraged to try different ways of seeing patterns, such as descriptive, visual, operational, or a combination of the three.

Ethnomathematics study: The use of modulo concept in Kampung Naga

2025-01-26T03:40:10+00:00

This article discusses the ethnomathematics study of the Kampung Naga community in Tasikmalaya, Indonesia. Ethnomathematics can investigate the application of mathematical notions in these cultural activities. The study explored the forms of ethnomathematics in their ideas and activities in living their daily lives. This study uses an ethnomethodological approach with a realistic ethnographic design to show facts and provide broader meaning. Data were collected from five respondents through in-depth interviews. The study results show that the Kampung Naga community uses the modulo concept to determine the criteria for days that can be used to start various activities, such as building or repairing houses, working, farming, and other social activities. This exploration proves that mathematical concepts are integrated into cultural values in everyday life.

The role of scaffolding in shaping reflective mathematical thinking of dependent field students in numeracy problems

2025-01-18T12:18:29+00:00

In learning mathematics, reflective thinking is often overlooked due to an excessive emphasis on final results, which causes students to struggle in evaluating and reconstructing their problem-solving processes. Reflective thinking skills are necessary for students to solve problems, including numeracy. This study adopts a qualitative approach, focusing on the problem-solving process of two seventh-grade students with a Dependent Field (DF) cognitive style and similar initial mathematical abilities. Data were collected through the Group Embedded Figures Test, in-depth interviews, and initial mathematical and reflective thinking ability tests. Based on the research results, DF students couldn't analyze arguments from various perspectives and see if there were deeper implications. This finding reflects the characteristics of DF, who don't perform the 'result in context' process, leading to a lack of ability to understand, interpret, and use numerical results in concrete/situational contexts. This also includes the ability to relate numbers to real-world situations, make appropriate interpretations, and take suitable actions based on those numerical results. The results of this study can serve as a foundation for designing differentiated instruction that emphasizes the development of reflective thinking skills, particularly in numeracy, through approaches involving technology, models, pedagogy, or other learning strategies.

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

2025-01-18T11:44:03+00:00

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

2025-01-12T04:11:11+00:00

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.