Journal of Mathematics Instruction, Social Research and Opinion
Vol. 4 No. 2 (2025): June

Enhancing Students’ Pollution Problem-Solving Skills Through Problem-Based Learning: The Moderating Role of Mathematical Literacy

Yani, Indri (Unknown)
Budiana, Sandi (Unknown)
Rostikawati, Teti (Unknown)
Sundari, Fitri Siti (Unknown)
Umam, M. Afifuddin Khotibul (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
06 May 2025

Abstract

This study examines the effectiveness of the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) model in enhancing university students’ ability to solve environmental pollution problems, with mathematical literacy as a moderating variable. Conducted in Indonesia, the research adopted a quasi-experimental non-equivalent pretest-posttest control group design involving 64 biology education students from Universitas Pakuan. Participants were assessed using open-ended problem-solving tests and a rubric aligned with the PISA framework. Results from two-way ANOVA showed significant effects of the learning model (F(1, 58) = 32.84, p < .001, η² = .216) and mathematical literacy levels (F(2, 58) = 29.17, p < .001, η² = .201) on problem-solving performance. Although both groups improved by 18.75 points from the pretest to the post-test, the PBL group outperformed the control. Post hoc analysis (Tukey HSD) revealed that students with high mathematical literacy achieved the highest scores (M = 91.8, SD = 3.7), confirming its moderating effect. These findings underscore the value of integrating mathematical literacy into PBL to promote contextual learning and real-world problem-solving. Future studies should explore broader samples and longitudinal impacts across diverse educational contexts.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

misro

Publisher

Subject

Humanities Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Mathematics Social Sciences

Description

The Journal of Mathematics Instruction, Social Research and Opinion (MISRO) is a peer-reviewed scholarly online journal. The MISRO is published in March, July, and November three times a year. The MISRO is a non-profit journal whose publication is free of charge. The articles should be original, ...