Developing Instruction Materials Based on Joyful PBL to Improve Students Mathematical Representation Ability

Abstract

Solving problem either within mathematics or beyond is one of the ultimate goal students learn mathematics. It is since mathematics takes role tool as well as vehicle to develop problem solving ability. One of the supporting components to problem solving is mathematical representation ability (MRA). Nowadays, many teachers and researchers find out secondary school students are so poor in MRA. Considering the problem, this research developed instruction materials based on Joyful Problem-based learning (JPBL) to endorse eighth graders of public secondary school students grasp their MRA. The study took place in the Province of North Sumatera, Indonesia. A number of 88 students engaged as subjects. The study administered MRA test before and after implementing the instruction materials. Data is analyzed descriptively and by t-test. The result showed that the learning materials developed is effective in improving the students’ MRA. It increased significantly, though categorized mediocre. The study contributed to the existing instruction materials in pursuing MRA.