International Journal of Technology and Education Research
Vol. 4 No. 02 (2026): International Journal of Technology and Education Research (IJETER)

Does Context Matter? Examining the Effectiveness of Contextual Approach on Mathematical Problem-Solving in Function Composition

Nasrullah Pemu (Mathematics Education Lecturer at Universitas Negeri Makassar, Makassar, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
07 Jun 2026

Abstract

Mathematical problem-solving ability is a crucial competency in mathematics education. This study aims to examine the effectiveness of the contextual approach on the mathematical problem-solving ability of Grade XI students at SMA Negeri 17 Makassar. The study employed a pre-experimental design with a One Group Pretest-Posttest model. The sample consisted of 26 students in class XI.2 selected through cluster random sampling. Data were collected through problem-solving tests (pretest and posttest), classroom observation sheets for learning implementation and student activity, and a student response questionnaire. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and nonparametric inferential statistics (Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test, One Sample Wilcoxon Signed Rank Test, and Binomial Test). Results showed that: (1) the learning implementation reached 93.75% (very good category); (2) student activity reached 93.75% (very active category); (3) the mean posttest score was 85.05 with a classical completeness rate of 96.15%, exceeding the 80% standard; (4) the normalized gain mean was 0.84 (high category); and (5) student responses reached 76.44% (tending positive category). Inferential test results confirmed that the contextual approach significantly improved students' mathematical problem-solving ability (p < 0.05). This study concludes that the contextual approach is effective in improving students' mathematical problem-solving ability on the topic of function composition.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

IJETER

Publisher

Subject

Decision Sciences, Operations Research & Management Education Languange, Linguistic, Communication & Media Other

Description

International Journal of Technology and Education Research( IJETER) is  a peer-reviewed journal which welcomes submissions involving a critical discussion of policy and practice, as well as contributions to conceptual and theoretical developments in the field. It includes articles based on ...