Development Content and Online Discussion Strategy in Blended Learning to Improve Student Mathematical Learning Outcomes

Abstract

Content and strategies online discussion have an important role in blended learning, but the content and strategies currently implemented have not been able to contribute optimally. This study aims to identify the characteristics of content and the application of online discussion strategy and describe their quality in terms of validity, practicality, and effectiveness as means to improve students mathematics learning outcomes. This research is a developmental research with Design Based Research approach. The subject of this research were students of VIII SMP Negeri 1 Mengwi in academic year 2018/2019. Learning outcomes data collected in the form of data understanding students' mathematical concepts and student attitudes in learning mathematics. The data were analyzed descriptively. This research produce blended learning content that meets valid, practical and effective criteria. The content has the following characteristics : 1) Text, containing a summary of the material and focuses on the ability of students to construct their own knowledge. 2) Interactive media, being able to actively involve students in learning abstract concepts with the helping of illustrations and visualization. 3)Video links, helping students improve their mathematical skills such as the ability to decrease formulas. 4) Exercises, containing variations in the types of questions and giving students instant feedback. This research also resulted in effective online discussion strategy with the following steps : seting goals for online discussion, preparing role for online discussion, preparing content that facilitates students to learn independently, motivating students to have the confidence to hold discussions, involving teachers to moderate discussions, implementing reward and punishment by giving points and additional tasks respectively to increase positive competitiveness, evaluating by giving online quizzes. Learning outcomes obtained by students have increased, 79.70 in first try out and 82.76 in second try out. Thus, it can be concluded that the quality of content and online discussion strategy have an important role in improving student mathematics learning outcomes.