Efektivitas Pendekatan Realistic Mathematic Education (RME) Terhadap Kemampuan Pemecahan Masalah Matematis Siwa Kelas IV di SD Negeri 02 Muaro Paiti Kecamatan Kapur IX

Abstrak

This research is motivated by the low mathematical problem-solving ability of fourthgrade students at SD Negeri 02 Muaro Paiti, Kapur IX District. Observations indicate that students still perceive mathematics as a difficult subject, lack practice in solving problem-based questions, and that the teaching methods used by teachers remain conventional, such as lectures and question-and-answer sessions. Therefore, this study aims to examine the effectiveness of the Realistic Mathematics Education (RME) approach in improving students' mathematical problem-solving skills. According to Freudenthal (1970), Realistic Mathematics Education (RME) emphasizes that mathematics should be connected to students' real-life experiences to make learning more meaningful. Ismunandar (2020) further states that RME helps students understand and solve problems using real-world contexts. Meanwhile, Polya (as cited in Yuwono et al., 2018) developed four stages of mathematical problem-solving: understanding the problem, devising a solution plan, executing the plan, and reviewing the solution. Additionally, Yuhani et al. (2018) assert that problem-solving is a process that trains students to systematically address various issues, while Albay (2019) emphasizes that problem-solving skills are crucial both in learning and in everyday life. This study is an experimental research using a Posttest-Only Control Design and employs Total Sampling on 32 fourth-grade students at SD Negeri 02 Muaro Paiti. Data were collected through tests, revealing that the average problem-solving ability score of the experimental class 83.41 was higher than that of the control class 76.52. The t-test showed a significance value of 0.003 < 0.05, proving that the Realistic Mathematics Education (RME) approach is more effective than the conventional model. Future research is recommended to use problem-based learning with real-life situations relevant to elementary students' experiences.