The Effectiveness of Problem-Based Learning Based on Dienes’ Theory with the Colored Biscuit Games on the Mathematical Problem-Solving Ability of Elemetary School Students

Salsabila Firda Azzahra (Pendidikan Guru Sekolah Dasar, Universitas Swadaya Gunung Jati, Cirebon, Indonesia)
Imas Safitriani (Pendidikan Guru Sekolah Dasar, Universitas Swadaya Gunung Jati, Cirebon, Indonesia)
Dina Pratiwi Dwi Santi (Pendidikan Guru Sekolah Dasar, Universitas Swadaya Gunung Jati, Cirebon, Indonesia)
Irmawati Liliana Kusuma Dewi (Pendidikan Matematika, Universitas Swadaya Gunung Jati, Cirebon, Indonesia)

Jurnal Ilmiah Sekolah Dasar
Vol 9 No 3 (2025): August

The lack of student interest in mathematics results in limited mathematical problem-solving skills. This study examines the effectiveness of the. Problem-Based Learning (PBL) model based on Dienes’ theory using coloured biscuit games on the mathematical problem-solving abilities of fifth-grade students in class V-A of an elementary school. The research employs a quantitative approach with a quasi-experimental method and a one-group pretest- posttest design. Data were collected through pretests and posttests and analyzed using validity and reliability tests, normality tests, paired sample t-tests, and N-Gain tests. The results show that the instruments are valid and reliable, the data are normally distributed, and there is a significant difference between pretest and posttest scores (p < 0.05). The average N-Gain score categorized as moderately effective. Thus, the Problem-Based Learning model based on Dienes’ theory using coloured biscuit games is proven to be moderately effective in improving elementary school student’s mathematical problem-solving abilities.