Prisma Sains: Jurnal Pengkajian Ilmu dan Pembelajaran Matematika dan IPA IKIP Mataram
Vol. 14 No. 3: July 2026

Improving the Process of Understanding the Representation of Spatial Shapes Through the Problem-Based Learning Model Assisted by Ethnomathematics in Junior High School Students

Sika Sika (STKIP Taman Siswa Bima)
Mohd Fakri Muda (Universiti Teknologi Mara)
Mohd Razmi Zainudin (Universiti Teknologi Mara)
Nanang Diana (STKIP Taman Siswa Bima)
Mariamah Mariamah (STKIP Taman Siswa Bima)
Syarifudin Syarifudin (STKIP Taman Siswa Bima)
Muslim Muslim (STKIP Taman Siswa Bima)



Article Info

Publish Date
28 Jun 2026

Abstract

This study examines the comparative improvement in junior high school students’ understanding of spatial shape representation through the implementation of the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) model assisted by Ethnomathematics. The study employed a quasi-experimental Non-Equivalent Control Group Design involving 60 seventh-grade students at a junior high school in Bima Regency, consisting of an experimental class (n=30) and a control class (n=30). The intervention was conducted over four weeks through learning activities integrating local Bima cultural contexts, such as Uma Lengge vernacular architecture, into problem-solving and group discussion activities related to spatial geometry concepts. Pretest results indicated relatively comparable initial abilities between the experimental class (M=59.53) and the control class (M=59.00), while posttest results showed higher achievement in the experimental class (M=81.03) compared to the control class (M=69.97). An independent samples t-test yielded t=4.699 with p<0.001, indicating a statistically significant difference between the two groups. N-Gain analysis showed a moderate improvement in the experimental class (0.557) and a low improvement in the control class (0.272). Furthermore, Cohen’s d effect size analysis produced a value of 1.213, indicating a large practical effect. The findings suggest that integrating ethnomathematics within the PBL framework may support students in connecting cultural representations with mathematical concepts and contribute to the development of culturally contextualized mathematics learning in junior high schools.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

prismasains

Publisher

Subject

Biochemistry, Genetics & Molecular Biology Earth & Planetary Sciences Education Electrical & Electronics Engineering Energy Engineering Environmental Science Mathematics Physics Other

Description

J-PS (Prisma Sains: Jurnal Pengkajian Ilmu dan Pembelajaran Matematika dan IPA IKIP Mataram) was published by the Faculty of Science, Engineering, and Applied Science Universitas Pendidikan Mandalika. J-PS containing scientific articles in the form of research and ...