The Influence of STEM Approach on Mathematical Literacy Skills of Elementary School Students During the Covid-19 Pandemic

Abstract

This study was driven by the low mathematics learning results of primary school kids during the covid-19 epidemic, which resulted in weak mathematical literacy abilities. As a result, a deliberate effort to improve mathematical literacy was required. The STEM method is one strategy that is associated with the development of mathematical literacy. The researchers wanted to determine if the STEM approach affected pupils’ mathematics literacy skills during the Covid-19 epidemic. This was a quasi-experimental study with 40 students, with 20 in the control group and 21 in the experimental group. In essays, the data gathering tool included mathematics literacy exam questions. The N-gain mean difference test was combined with the Mann-Whitney U test for data analysis. According to the calculation findings, Sig. (2-tailed) received a score of 0.038, which is smaller than the significance level = 0.05. So that H0 is rejected. The average mathematical literacy skill of elementary school students who studied using the STEM approach and those who studied using the conventional approach was shown to be different in this study. Those who studied with a STEM approach had a higher average score than students who studied with a conventional approach.