Journal Focus Action of Research Mathematic (Factor M)
Vol. 9 No. 2 (2026): December 2026 Article in Press

Junior high school teachers' perceptions and practices of inductive learning for supporting students' critical thinking

Linda Herawati (Mathematics Education Study Program, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia & Mathematics Education Study Program, Universitas Siliwangi, Tasikmalaya, West Java, Indonesia)
Agus Maman Abadi (Mathematics Education Study Program, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia)
Kana Hidayati (Mathematics Education Study Program, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia)
Heri Retnawati (Mathematics Education Study Program, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia)
Wahyu Setyaningrum (Mathematics Education Study Program, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
25 Sep 2026

Abstract

Learning mathematics requires students to assess information, compare alternative solutions, and explain their reasoning. Yet, opportunities for students to engage actively in these processes depend on how mathematical learning is designed and enacted in the classroom. Guided inductive learning offers a relevant approach because it engages students in examining cases, identifying patterns, and constructing mathematical generalizations rather than receiving concepts solely through direct explanation. In this context, teachers’ perceptions and classroom practices are important because they may shape the opportunities provided for students to engage in critical-thinking processes. Therefore, this study explored junior high school mathematics teachers’ perceptions and practices of guided inductive learning in relation to students’ critical-thinking processes. A qualitative phenomenological approach was employed with 12 junior high school mathematics teachers in Tasikmalaya, Indonesia, selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected through semi-structured interviews and classroom observations and analysed using Moustakas’ phenomenological procedures. The findings revealed three interconnected themes: teachers’ conceptions and enactment of guided inductive learning, scaffolding of students’ critical-thinking processes, and pedagogical challenges and professional needs. Teachers described and enacted inductive learning as a structured process involving examples, pattern identification, generalization, guiding questions, collaborative discussion, justification, and adaptive scaffolding. However, limited instructional time, curriculum demands, and differences in students’ readiness affected its classroom enactment. Teachers also expressed a need for structured learning procedures, practical resources, and professional development. Overall, the findings describe how teachers understood and enacted guided inductive learning and how critical-thinking processes were reflected in the observed classroom activities.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

factorm

Publisher

Subject

Education Mathematics Other

Description

Journal Factor M focuses on the main issues in mathematics education and applied mathematics. In addition, Journal Factor M also discusses issues that generally exist in the field of mathematics ...