Southeast Asian Mathematics Education Journal
The Journal invites original research articles and not simultaneously submitted to another journal or conference. The whole spectrum of research in mathematics education are welcome, which includes, but is not limited to the following topics: Realistic Mathematics Education Realistic Mathematics Education (RME) is a teaching and learning theory in mathematics education that was first introduced and developed by Freudenthal. There are two important points in RME; mathematics must be connected to reality and mathematics as a human activity. RME is implemented three principles, they are: (1) guided reinvention and progressive mathematizing, (2) didactical phenomenology, and (3) self-developed model. Furthermore, the practice of RME also has its own characteristics, they are: (1) phenomenological exploration or the use of contexts, (2) the use of models or bridging by vertical instruments, (3) the use of students own productions and constructions or students contribution, (4) the interactive character of the teaching process or interactivity, and (5) the intertwining of various learning strands. A paper is eligible to be included in this topic if the paper accommodates these three principles and these five characteristics. Joyful Learning in Mathematics Education The main goal of mathematics education in school is the mathematization of the child’s thought process through joyful learning. Learning should be something joyful because it is a perpetual growth process and self-reflection. Mathematics teachers are expected to develop ideas to motivate students by joyful activities, such as discovering, exploring, constructing, designing, setting strategy, and solving problems that are wrapped in mathematics games, puzzles, and hands-on activities. Integrating ICT in Mathematics Education The advance of information and communication technology (ICT) has been the concern of all human life, including in education. When all students use technology, education must be the first one to utilize it for the sake of effectiveness and attractiveness. The researches (ideas of research) on related topics could be traced to the works of Paul Drijvers, Willem J. Pelgrum, Tjeerd Plomp, Jean-Baptiste Lagrange, Michèle Artigue, Colette Laborde, Luc Trouche, and published books in Springer or other publishers. STEM Education Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) has been major topic of discussion in the field of education, due to the most esteemed fields to respond to the demand of 21st century. STEM education will be an important knowledge for teachers to educate future high-quality workforce. STEM education can be implemented in any level of education. The main principle of STEM education is Engineering Design Process (EDP). This principle consists of cyclic process: (1) Identifying problem, (2) Researching the problem, (3) Developing possible solutions, (4) Selecting promising solution, (5) Building the prototype, (6) Evaluating the prototype, (7) Redesigning. The idea research of STEM Education can be explored in Breiner, Harkness, Johnson, and Koehler; Sanders; and Bybee. Lesson Study Lesson Study is a well-known approach originated from Japan for action research in classroom by teachers. It is an effective model for teachers to join their activities to improve their teaching. This approach emphasizes the improvement of students’ mathematical thinking which involves three steps namely Plan-Do-See. The research (ideas of research) on related topics could be traced to the works of Fernandez and Yoshida, Lewis and Wang-Iverson and Yoshida. Teacher-made Mathematics Teaching Aids Students at times struggle with mathematics due to the abstract concepts involved. To help address this issue teachers can use physical objects, such as teaching aids, to make the concepts more relatable and understandable. It also provides opportunity for students to understand and internalize basic mathematial concepts through concrete objects and situations. A paper is eligible for this topic if it comprehensively explains the mathematics teaching aid made by the teachers and the learning opportunities offered to the students. Clinical Supervision Having strong educational leadership is known to be a major factor in improving student learning. By providing vision and development opportunities, educational leaders can help facilitate the conditions necessary for teachers to perform at their best. A good supervision involves activities that aids, directs and informs teachers of what should be done or have been done and not merely finding faults in the teachers’ teaching. A paper is eligible for inclusion in the clinical supervision if it provides a comprehensive description and analysis of every stage in the supervision process Differentiated Instruction Differentiated instruction is a teaching theory based on the premise that instructional approaches should vary and be adapted in relation to individual and diverse students in classrooms. Many classes consisting of students with diverse learning abilities require a teacher capable of designing teaching strategies that accommodate all learning styles. Therefore, the scope of differentiated instruction is an important part of the focus and scope of the journal. Teacher Professional Development Teacher professional development is defined as activities that develop an teacher’s skills, knowledge, expertise and other characteristics. The definition recognizes that development can be provided in many ways, ranging from the formal to the informal. It can be made available through external expertise in the form of courses, workshops or formal qualification programs, through collaboration between schools or teachers across schools (e.g. observational visits to other schools or teacher networks) or within the schools in which teachers work. In this last case, development can be provided through coaching/mentoring, collaborative planning and teaching, and the sharing of good practices. Classroom Action Research Classroom action research is a reflective process which helps teachers to explore and examine aspects of teaching and learning and to take action to change and improve. It begins with a question or questions about classroom experiences, issues, or challenges. Generally, classroom action research is consisting of 4 steps, namely, planning, action, observation, and reflection. Authors could submit their work, with a comprehensive description and analysis of every step.
Articles
134 Documents
Bridging Cultures through Numbers: Exploring the Perspectives of Pre-Service Mathematics Teachers on Ethnomathematics in Education
Justin Ian Ogoy;
Jhaynee Lou Tudayan-Del Moral
Southeast Asian Mathematics Education Journal Vol 16, No 1 (2026)
Publisher : SEAMEO Regional Centre for QITEP in Mathematics
Show Abstract
|
Download Original
|
Original Source
|
Check in Google Scholar
|
DOI: 10.46517/seamej.v16i1.492
The growing emphasis on ethnomathematics in mathematics education highlights the need to understand how future teachers perceive the relationship between mathematics and culture. This study explores the perspectives of pre-service mathematics teachers regarding their experiences and understanding of ethnomathematics through their formal instruction. While culturally responsive mathematics teaching has gained attention, limited research has focused on how these perspectives are shaped during teacher preparation. Most existing studies emphasize in-service teachers or curriculum, overlooking the formative experiences of pre-service teachers. Addressing this gap, this qualitative study investigates the reflections of nineteen pre-service teachers from four teacher education institutions in the Philippines. Guided by van Manen’s hermeneutic phenomenology and drawing on D’Ambrosio’s ethnomathematics framework and Vygotsky’s sociocultural theory, data were collected through structured open-ended questionnaires and follow-up interviews. Thematic analysis revealed two key themes: a shift from viewing mathematics as abstract and universal to seeing it as lived and culturally embedded; and a reimagining of mathematics education as inclusive, contextually relevant, and culturally responsive. Participants identified cultural practices such as weaving, farming, and traditional games as mathematical, though many did not specify the concepts involved. These findings suggest that introducing ethnomathematics during teacher preparation fosters critical reflection and supports the development of culturally responsive educators. Future research is needed to examine how these perspectives translate into classroom practice and to explore ways of sustaining culturally grounded mathematics instruction. This study contributes to the understanding of how teacher education programs can nurture culturally attuned mathematics teaching in diverse learning environments.
Analysis of Numeracy Ability and Mathematical Anxiety of Junior High School Students
Maisaroh Tamrin;
Al Jupri;
Kusnandi Kusnandi
Southeast Asian Mathematics Education Journal Vol 16, No 1 (2026)
Publisher : SEAMEO Regional Centre for QITEP in Mathematics
Show Abstract
|
Download Original
|
Original Source
|
Check in Google Scholar
|
DOI: 10.46517/seamej.v16i1.523
Numeracy refers to an individual's ability to apply mathematical knowledge in everyday life to solve problems, analyse situations, and evaluate the results of their solutions. This study aims to assess the level of numeracy, mathematical anxiety, and the relationship between these two factors among grade IX junior high school students. The methodology employed is a case study with a qualitative approach. The subjects include 32 grade IX students from a junior high school in Bandung who have studied the topic of flat-sided solid figures. Data collection involved test techniques for numeracy assessments and non-test methods, including mathematical anxiety questionnaires and interview guidelines. The findings indicate that most students' numeracy abilities fall within the moderate range and that they experience moderate levels of mathematical anxiety. Students with low levels of mathematical anxiety demonstrated strong numeracy ability, as evidenced by meeting nearly all indicators of numeracy ability. Students exhibiting moderate mathematical anxiety displayed varying levels of numeracy, meeting 1 to 3 indicators of numeracy ability. In contrast, students with high levels of mathematical anxiety struggled with low numeracy ability, achieving only 1 or none of the numeracy indicators. These findings suggest the importance of integrating strategies that address both cognitive and emotional aspects of mathematics learning. Teachers are encouraged to design instructional approaches that reduce students’ mathematical anxiety while simultaneously strengthening their numeracy ability.
Utilization of Contextual-Based Student Worksheets (LKPD) to Improve Mathematics Literacy of MTs N 3 Jombang Students
Nuril Huda;
Muhammad Al Farabi
Southeast Asian Mathematics Education Journal Vol 16, No 1 (2026)
Publisher : SEAMEO Regional Centre for QITEP in Mathematics
Show Abstract
|
Download Original
|
Original Source
|
Check in Google Scholar
|
DOI: 10.46517/seamej.v16i1.390
Mathematical literacy remains a persistent challenge in Indonesian education, as highlighted by the 2022 PISA report. Preliminary assessment results showed that most students (82.14%) at an Islamic junior high school had not yet achieved a good level of mathematical literacy. This study aims to examine the utilization of contextual-based worksheets (LKPDs) that integrate mathematical problem-solving with Islamic values and daily religious practices to improve students’ mathematical literacy skills. The study employed a Classroom Action Research (CAR) design involving 28 eighth-grade students at a State Islamic Junior High School. The participants, aged between 13 and 14 years old, were selected because preliminary observations showed that their mathematical literacy skills were mostly at a sufficient or low level. Data were collected through tests, interviews, and documentation. Research data were analysed using qualitative-descriptive method. The findings revealed a significant improvement in students mathematical literacy skills, as indicated by the percentage of students achieving at least a 'good' level of mathematical literacy: 17,86% in the preliminary stage, 39,29% in Cycle I, and 78,57% in Cycle II. These findings suggest that the utilization of contextual-based worksheets effectively improves the mathematical literacy skills of Islamic junior high school students.
Mathematical Conceptual Understanding of Grade VIII Students Through Discovery Learning Assisted by eXeLearning
Annisa Ummul Khairi;
Maulani Meutia Rani;
Ahmad Fauzan
Southeast Asian Mathematics Education Journal Vol 16, No 1 (2026)
Publisher : SEAMEO Regional Centre for QITEP in Mathematics
Show Abstract
|
Download Original
|
Original Source
|
Check in Google Scholar
|
DOI: 10.46517/seamej.v16i1.525
Students’ mathematical conceptual understanding is a fundamental component in learning mathematics. It plays a crucial role in solving problems and developing higher-order thinking skills. However, previous studies and preliminary observations indicate that students still experience significant difficulties in understanding and applying mathematical concepts effectively. Therefore, innovative instructional approaches are needed to address this issue. This study aims to examine the development of students’ mathematical conceptual understanding and to determine its significance among students taught through a Discovery Learning model assisted by eXeLearning, compared to a conventional learning approach. A descriptive and quasi-experimental design was employed by using a Non-Equivalent Post-test Only Control Group Design. The population consisted of nine eighth-grade classes at one public junior high school in a city, from which two classes were selected through simple random sampling: Class VIII.1 as the experimental group and Class VIII.3 as the control group. The research instruments included essay-based quizzes and a post-test measuring students’ mathematical conceptual understanding. The quiz results showed a gradual increase in students’ conceptual understanding across learning sessions. Post-test data were analysed using an independent samples t-test. The results of the independent samples t-test indicated that students who learned using Discovery Learning assisted by eXeLearning achieved significantly higher mathematical conceptual understanding than students who learned through conventional instruction. These findings suggest that integrating Discovery Learning with digital learning media such as eXeLearning can effectively support students in constructing and strengthening their mathematical conceptual understanding.