Indonesian Journal of Science and Mathematics Education
Vol. 9 No. 2 (2026): Indonesian Journal of Science and Mathematics Education

How are indigenous students' perceptions of mathematics learning based on the ethnomathematics of the Nias community?

Gee, Efrata (Unknown)
Turmudi, Turmudi (Unknown)
Priatna, Nanang (Unknown)
Priatna, Bambang Avip (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
31 Jul 2026

Abstract

Ethnomathematics is widely recognized as an approach that connects mathematics learning with students' cultural experiences. However, previous studies have mainly identified mathematical concepts in cultural practices and developed ethnomathematics-based materials, while indigenous students' perceptions remain underexplored. This study analyzed indigenous students' perceptions of ethnomathematics-based mathematics learning in the context of Nias culture. A descriptive mixed-methods design was conducted with seventh-grade indigenous students at a junior high school in South Nias, Indonesia. Data were collected through a perception questionnaire and semi-structured interviews and analyzed using descriptive statistics and thematic analysis. Results showed that students' perceptions were generally adequate. The absorption, understanding, and evaluation dimensions scored 74.73%, 70.57%, and 69.89%, respectively. Although students appreciated the cultural contexts used in learning, many struggled to relate cultural practices and artifacts to formal mathematical concepts, indicating that cultural familiarity alone does not ensure meaningful understanding. These findings suggest that ethnomathematics instruction should integrate cultural contexts with appropriate pedagogical support to help indigenous students transform cultural knowledge into formal mathematical understanding.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

IJSME

Publisher

Subject

Education Mathematics

Description

Indonesian Journal of Science and Mathematics Education is a journal which is managed by Research and Scientific Publication Unit collaborate with Physics Education Department of UIN Raden Intan Lampung. Indonesian Journal of Science and Mathematics Education is a medium of communication used by ...