Empowering Elementary School Students through Service Learning: Improving Mathematical Competence in Preparation for Mathematics Competitions

Ega Gradini (Institut Agama Islam Negeri Takengon, Aceh, Indonesia)
Julia Noviani (Institut Agama Islam Negeri Takengon, Aceh, Indonesia)
Edy Saputra (Institut Agama Islam Negeri Takengon, Aceh, Indonesia)
Rahmy Zulmaulida (Institut Agama Islam Negeri Lhokseumawe, Lhokseumawe, Indonesia)
Septia Wahyuni (Institut Agama Islam Negeri Takengon, Aceh, Indonesia)
Elfi Rahmadhani (Institut Agama Islam Negeri Takengon, Aceh, Indonesia)
Novita Rahmayanti (Sekolah Dasar Swasta Islam Terpadu Al Manar Takengon, Aceh, Indonesia)
Resa Rinanda (Sekolah Dasar Swasta Islam Terpadu Al Manar Takengon, Aceh, Indonesia)

International Journal of Community Service Learning
Vol. 9 No. 3 (2025): August

Many elementary school students continue to face difficulties in deeply understanding mathematical concepts, particularly when confronted with high level reasoning problems such as those encountered in mathematics competitions. This community service program aimed to develop and strengthen elementary school students’ mathematical abilities through a structured Service Learning (SL) approach, selected for its dual focus on educational excellence and social responsibility. The program targeted students in grades 4, 5, and 6, and was implemented by a mentoring team of eight mathematics education lecturers in collaboration with school facilitators. Data were analyzed using both qualitative and quantitative descriptive methods. The results demonstrated notable improvements in students’ mathematical competence, with average scores on arithmetic tasks increasing substantially. This progress reflected enhanced computational fluency, stronger problem solving skills, and improved spatial reasoning. In conclusion, empowering elementary school students through service learning proved effective in improving mathematical competence while fostering positive social character.