Journal of Educational Sciences
Vol. 10 No. 6 (2026): Journal of Educational Sciences

Meta Analysis: The Effect of Realistic Mathematics Education (RME) on Students’ Mathematical Conceptual Understanding in Indonesia

Nurrahmah Nurrahmah (Mathematics Education Study Program, Tadulako University, Palu, 94118, Indonesia)
Muhammad Fachri B. Paloloang (Mathematics Education Study Program, Tadulako University, Palu, 94118, Indonesia)
Sukayasa Sukayasa (Mathematics Education Study Program, Tadulako University, Palu, 94118, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
05 Jun 2026

Abstract

This study investigates the effect of Realistic Mathematics Education (RME) on students’ mathematical conceptual understanding in Indonesia by addressing inconsistent findings from previous studies. A meta-analysis was conducted through a Systematic Literature Review following PRISMA guidelines. Fourteen primary studies published between 2015 and 2025 were selected based on inclusion criteria, namely experimental or quasi-experimental studies involving Indonesian students and reporting sufficient statistical data. Effect sizes were calculated using Hedges’ g and analyzed with Comprehensive Meta-Analysis (CMA) version 4.0. Due to significant heterogeneity, a random-effects model was applied, while publication bias was examined using several bias detection methods. The findings revealed that RME had a large positive effect on students’ conceptual understanding, with an overall effect size of 1.225 (p < 0.05). Moderator analysis showed that the effectiveness of RME varied across educational levels, learning materials, and sample sizes, with the strongest effects found at the elementary school level and in geometry-related topics. No indication of publication bias was identified. These findings suggest that mathematics teachers should prioritize the implementation of RME, particularly in elementary mathematics and geometry learning, to promote more meaningful and contextual learning experiences.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

JES

Publisher

Subject

Religion Humanities Education Library & Information Science Other

Description

JES publishes original articles on the latest issues and trends occurring regionally and internationally in the educational sciences with the aim to advance our knowledge both in term of theory and practice. Moreover, this journal also covers the issues concerned with the following special sections: ...