THE APPLICATION OF CROSSWORD PUZZLES IN MATHEMATICS LEARNING

Yasinta Yenita Dhiki (Mathematics Education Study Program, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Flores University, Ende, Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia)
Kornelia Bunga (Mathematics Education Study Program, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Flores University, Ende, Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia)
Maria Icha Florensia Seku (Mathematics Education Study Program, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Flores University, Ende, Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia)
Alexcia Kristina Ja’a (Mathematics Education Study Program, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Flores University, Ende, Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia)
Yohanes Pedo One (Mathematics Education Program, Faculty of Tarbiyah and Teacher Education, Mataram State Islamic University, Jl. Gajah Mada, Jempong Baru, Mataram City, West Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia)
Ardianus Beda Keda Kurman (Mathematics Education Study Program, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Flores University, Ende, Flores, East Nusa Tenggara, Indonesia)
Aleksandrianus Au (Mathematics Education Study Program, Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Flores University, Ende-NTT, Indonesia)

Mitra Mahajana: Jurnal Pengabdian Masyarakat
Vol. 7 No. 2 (2026): Volume 7 Nomor 2 Tahun 2026

Mathematics learning often causes difficulties for junior high school students, especially in basic topics such as integer operations. Many students encounter difficulties understanding the concepts of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of integers, particularly when the material is presented as word problems. To overcome these problems, we, students of the Mathematics Study Program at Universitas Flores, implemented an innovative learning medium in the form of crossword puzzles integrated with Student Worksheets (Lembar Kerja Peserta Didik/LKPD). This activity was conducted at SMPK Wawonato and involved 20 students of class VII B. The crossword puzzles were designed to contain word problems related to integer operations, while the student worksheets functioned to review students’ initial and final abilities. The results of the activity showed that implementing crossword puzzles and student worksheets increased students’ enthusiasm and motivation for learning and improved their understanding of integer operations. Students became more actively involved in group discussions and were able to solve word problems more effectively.