The Effectiveness of Realistic Mathematics Education (RME) in Improving the Mathematical Problem Solving Ability of Junior High School Students in One Variable Linear Equation Material

Abstract

Mathematical problem solving ability is one of the essential competencies that need to be developed in mathematics education. However, this ability remains relatively low among some students, indicating the need for a more meaningful instructional approach, one of which is the Realistic Mathematics Education (RME)approach. This study aims to analyze the effectiveness of the RME approach in improving junior high school students’ mathematical problem solving ability on the topic of Linear Equations in One Variable. The study used a quasi experimental method using a pretest-posttest control group design. The participants consisted of 60 seventh-grade students at SMPN 5 Medan, who were divided into an experimental group and a control group, with 30 students in each group. The experimental group received instruction based on the RME approach over eight learning sessions, whereas the control group received conventional instruction through an expository approach. Data were collected using a mathematical problem-solving test that assessed the indicators of understanding the problem, devising a solution plan, implementing the plan, and reviewing the obtained solution. The results showed that the mean posttest score of the experimental group was higher than that of the control group. The N-gain analysis also indicated a greater improvement in mathematical problem-solving ability among students in the experimental group compared with those in the control group. The results of the statistical analysis revealed a significant difference between the mathematical problem-solving abilities of students who learned through the RME approach and those who received conventional instruction. These findings confirm that the RME approach is effective for teaching Linear Equations in One Variable because it utilizes real-world contexts that are relevant to students' everyday lives. Therefore, the RME approach can serve as an alternative strategy for mathematics instruction at the junior high school level to enhance students’ mathematical problem solving ability.

Abstrak:

Kemampuan pemecahan masalah matematis merupakan salah satu kompetensi penting yang perlu dikembangkan dalam pembelajaran matematika. Namun, kemampuan tersebut masih relatif rendah pada sebagian siswa sehingga diperlukan pendekatan pembelajaran yang lebih bermakna, salah satunya melalui pendekatan ii (RME). Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis efektivitas pendekatan Realistic Mathematics Education dalam meningkatkan kemampuan pemecahan masalah matematis siswa SMP pada materi Persamaan Linear Satu Variabel (PLSV). Penelitian menggunakan metode eksperimen semu (quasi experiment) dengan desain pretest-posttest control group. Subjek penelitian terdiri atas 60 siswa kelas VII SMP Negeri 5 Medan yang dibagi menjadi kelompok eksperimen dan kelompok kontrol, masing-masing 30 siswa. Kelompok eksperimen memperoleh pembelajaran berbasis RME selama delapan pertemuan, sedangkan kelompok kontrol memperoleh pembelajaran konvensional dengan pendekatan ekspositori. Pengumpulan data menggunakan instrumen tes kemampuan pemecahan masalah yang meliputi indikator memahami masalah, merencanakan penyelesaian, melaksanakan rencana, dan memeriksa kembali hasil. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa rata-rata posttest kelompok eksperimen lebih tinggi dibandingkan kelompok kontrol. Perhitungan N-gain juga menunjukkan peningkatan kemampuan pemecahan masalah matematis yang lebih baik pada kelompok eksperimen dibandingkan kelompok kontrol. Hasil pengujian statistik mengindikasikan adanya perbedaan yang signifikan antara kemampuan pemecahan masalah matematis peserta didik yang belajar menggunakan pendekatan RME dan siswa yang memperoleh pembelajaran konvensional. Temuan ini menegaskan bahwa pendekatan RME efektif diterapkan pada materi PLSV karena memanfaatkan konteks nyata yang relevan dengan kehidupan siswa. Dengan demikian, pendekatan RME dapat dijadikan sebagai alternatif strategi pembelajaran matematika di SMP untuk meningkatkan kemampuan pemecahan masalah matematis peserta didik.