International Journal of Educational Practice and Policy
Vol. 4 No. 2 (2026): June-July 2026

Exploring Geometric Comprehension Patterns of Elementary School Students Based on Gender through Pirie-Kieren Theory in the Context of Mande Culture in Malang Semirang

Novia Hasna Fuadah (Universitas Swadaya Gunung Jati)
Dina Pratiwi Dwi Santi (Universitas Swadaya Gunung Jati)
setiyani (Universitas Swadaya Gunung Jati)



Article Info

Publish Date
30 Jul 2026

Abstract

Understanding geometry is an important aspect of elementary mathematics learning, yet many students still experience difficulties in understanding geometric concepts. This study aims to describe elementary school students' geometric understanding based on gender through the Pirie–Kieren theory in the context of Mande Malang Semirang and to identify the scaffolding required at each layer of understanding. This study employed a qualitative case study approach involving four high-achieving fifth-grade students, consisting of two male and two female students selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through geometry understanding tests, observations, semi-structured interviews, and documentation, and analyzed using data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The findings showed that all participants achieved the eight layers of understanding proposed by the Pirie–Kieren theory. However, differences were observed in their thinking processes and folding-back patterns. Male students tended to rely on concrete experiences and visual observations, whereas female students demonstrated more systematic reasoning supported by mental visualization. These findings suggest that the scaffolding required may vary among learners, highlighting the importance of considering gender as one of several factors in designing ethnomathematics-based geometry learning.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

IJEPP

Publisher

Subject

Education Social Sciences

Description

International Journal of Educational Practice and Policy (IJEPP) is an interdisciplinary journal that publishes innovative educational research and writing from scholars throughout the world. IJEPP aims to offer a place for researchers to exchange information, principles, and expertise in the area ...