Jurnal Elemen
Vol 12 No 2 (2026): April

Investigating students’ mathematical literacy: How students solve PISA-like problems in the Jambi context

Tria Gustiningsi (Universitas Jambi)
Feri Tiona Pasaribu (Universitas Jambi)
Ranisa Junita (Universitas Jambi)
Zaleha Ismail (Universiti Teknologi Malaysia)



Article Info

Publish Date
15 May 2026

Abstract

Mathematical literacy is essential for preparing students to solve real-world problems, yet the cognitive processes underlying context-based problem solving remain insufficiently understood. In the PISA framework, mathematical literacy involves the ability to formulate, employ, and interpret mathematics in meaningful contexts. Previous studies have focused primarily on outcomes rather than the processes involved, particularly within local cultural settings such as Jambi. Given the persistent underperformance of Indonesian students in PISA, examining mathematical literacy in a local context is important. This study aimed to analyze students’ mathematical literacy processes using Jambi-based contextual tasks. A qualitative descriptive design was employed involving 24 seventh-grade students selected through purposive sampling to represent high, moderate, and low ability levels. Data were collected through PISA-like written tests and semi-structured interviews and analyzed based on the processes of formulate, employ, and interpret/evaluate. The results showed that 68.06% of students were able to formulate problems, 52.78% successfully employed appropriate mathematical procedures, and only 34.72% correctly interpreted and evaluated solutions. These findings indicate that students experience the greatest difficulty in connecting mathematical results to real-life situations. The research process-oriented assessment and culturally contextualized tasks strengthen students’ interpretative and evaluative competencies in mathematical literacy.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jel

Publisher

Subject

Other

Description

Cakupan dan ruang lingkup Jurnal Elemen terdiri dari (1) kurikulum pendidikan matematika; (2) metode pembelajaran matematika; (3) media pembelajaran matematika; (4) pembelajaran matematika berbasis teknologi dan informasi, ; (5) penilaian dan evaluasi pembelajaran matematika; (6) kreativitas dan ...