Why Mathematics Learning Needs Innovation
Mathematics plays a crucial role in technological advancement and problem-solving in everyday life. Yet in many classrooms, teaching still relies on conventional methods that make it difficult for students to connect abstract concepts with real-world situations.
Education reforms in Indonesia now emphasize student-centered learning. One method gaining attention is Problem-Based Learning, which uses real-life problems as the starting point for learning. This approach encourages students to think independently, analyze situations, and develop solutions collaboratively.
The research team identified an opportunity to combine Problem-Based Learning with ethnomathematics—an approach that links mathematical concepts with local culture. In this case, Riau Malay culture was chosen because its traditional carvings, ornaments, and architectural patterns strongly relate to geometric transformation concepts such as translation, reflection, rotation, and dilation.
Bringing Culture into the Math Classroom
The researchers designed a new set of student worksheets (LKPD) that integrate Riau Malay cultural elements into geometry lessons. The worksheets were created to help students understand geometric transformations through familiar and meaningful real-life examples.
The worksheets include:
- contextual problem scenarios based on local culture
- step-by-step learning activities
- discussion and analysis tasks
- exercises that train mathematical critical thinking
By connecting math with students’ daily environment, the materials aim to make learning more engaging and easier to understand.
How the Study Was Conducted
The study used a Research and Development method with the ADDIE model, consisting of five stages:
- Needs analysis
- Instructional design
- Product development
- Implementation through small and large group trials
- Evaluation
The research involved a mathematics teacher, expert validators, and ninth-grade students from SMP Negeri 8 Pekanbaru during the 2025/2026 academic year. Data were collected through validation questionnaires, observations, student responses, and post-test assessments.
Key Findings: Valid, Practical, and Effective
The developed worksheets achieved high scores across three main indicators: validity, practicality, and effectiveness.
Highly Valid According to Experts
Material and educational technology experts rated the worksheets with an average score of 0.90, categorized as very valid. This confirms the materials meet standards for content accuracy, language clarity, presentation, and alignment with learning objectives.
Very Practical for Classroom Use
Trial results showed strong practicality:
- Small-group trial: 92.20%
- Large-group trial: 92.32%
Teachers and students reported that the worksheets were easy to use and helped guide the learning process effectively.
Proven to Improve Learning Outcomes
The effectiveness test compared two classes:
- Experimental class average score: 81.70
- Control class average score: 65.41
Statistical testing confirmed a significant difference between the two groups, demonstrating that the PBL worksheets significantly improved students’ mathematical critical thinking skills.
Why Cultural Integration Matters
Learning becomes more meaningful when students see how lessons connect to real life. In these worksheets, mathematical problems were linked to:
- Malay carving motifs
- traditional building patterns
- local decorative elements
This real-world context made abstract geometry concepts easier to understand. It also increased students’ motivation, curiosity, and appreciation for local heritage.
According to Aisyah Arni Putri Simanjuntak of UIN Suska Riau, problem-based learning empowers students to build their own understanding through analysis, evaluation, and conclusion-making.
Implications for Education
The study highlights several important benefits.
For Teachers
- Provides an innovative teaching resource
- Supports implementation of the Merdeka Curriculum
- Helps structure student-centered learning
For Students
- Improves critical thinking skills
- Makes mathematics more relevant and engaging
- Encourages appreciation of local culture
For Education Policy
The findings demonstrate that integrating local culture into learning materials can significantly enhance the quality of education.
Future Development Opportunities
The research was limited to one school and one topic. Future studies are recommended to expand the approach to:
- other mathematics topics
- different education levels
- interactive digital formats
Such developments could broaden the impact of culturally integrated learning.
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