Mathematics Education Journal
Vol. 20 No. 4 (2026): Mathematics Education Journal

A Cultural Project-Based Learning Framework for Numeracy Integration: Insights from Palembang Mathematics Classrooms

Ratu Ilma Indra Putri (Mathematics Education, Universitas Sriwijaya, Palembang, Indonesia)
Zulkardi Zulkardi (Mathematics Education, Universitas Sriwijaya, Palembang, Indonesia)
Laela Sagita (Mathematics Education, Universitas PGRI Yogyakarta, Yogyakarta, Indonesia)
Viona Adelia (Center of Excellence for PMRI and PISA, Universitas Sriwijaya, Palembang, Indonesia)
Novita Sari (Mathematics Education, Universitas Sriwijaya, Palembang, Indonesia)
Yovika Sukma (Mathematics Education, Universitas Sriwijaya, Palembang, Indonesia)
E.I Pusta Siligar (Mathematics Education, Universitas Sriwijaya, Palembang, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
10 Oct 2026

Abstract

Integrating numeracy learning with meaningful real-life and cultural contexts remains a challenge in mathematics education, as classroom practices often emphasize procedural skills detached from students’ lived experiences. This study aims to develop and evaluate a project-based learning, Proyek New Pempek Matematika—a culturally contextualized math project—that integrates mathematical concepts, numeracy, and local cultural wisdom from South Sumatra. This study employed a mixed-method approach involving five junior high schools (one class per school, 30–32 students) and followed a three-stage procedure (design adaptation, implementation, and cross-case analysis), with triangulated data collected through observations, interviews, questionnaires, and numeracy tests and analyzed using thematic analysis. Results indicate that the project-based learning environment, Proyek New Pempek Matematika, achieved high feasibility, as evidenced by positive evaluations from teachers, students, and experts, and improved students’ numeracy performance and conceptual understanding. Teachers demonstrated high usability ratings and sustained intention to implement the learning environment, while students showed increased engagement and an enhanced ability to apply mathematical reasoning in real-world contexts. This study provides a validated framework for integrating local cultural context into project-based numeracy learning impact on students’ numeracy performance. The findings offer practical implications for designing culturally contextualized mathematics instruction that supports students’ real-world problem-solving.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

jpm

Publisher

Subject

Education Mathematics Other

Description

Jurnal Pendidikan Matematika or Mathematics Education Journal is an electronic peer-reviewed international journal, provides a forum for publishing original research articles, reviewing articles from contributors, and publishing novel technology news related to mathematics education. This journal is ...