How does realistic mathematics education (RME) improve students' mathematics cognitive achievement?

Abstract

Some previous research has reported the effectiveness of RME in improving students' problem solving ability and cognitive achievement. This quasi experimental research, therefore, aimed to investigate the difference in students' mathematics cognitive achievement after implementing RME and conventional learning. The controlled treatment consisted of mathematics learning with RME equipped with snake and ladder board game and conventional learning. Instrument measuring students' cognitive achievement was developed by the researcher and validated by some experts prior to the research. The results of the t-test confirmed the difference in students' cognitive achievement both of the experimental and control group. The students who were taught with RME achieved better than the students who were involved in conventional learning. This research finding has suggested that it is important for teachers to empower students' intellectual ability through RME and games in order that meaningful and contextual learning can be generated. It is recommended that future research will explore the effect of RME on students' attitude, problem-solving ability, learning interest, or other variables related to mathematics learning.