TR57 vol 17 no 2 of the Mathematics Teaching-Research Journal

Editorial of the Spring 2025 issue 58, Vol 17 No 2

William Baker

Hostos Community College, CUNY, Bronx, NY

Editorial by William Baker

This issue contains teaching research articles from various countries in the global community of mathematics teacher-researchers, including Indonesia, Ethiopia, and South Africa, using both quantitative and qualitative analysis. These articles represent a wide variety of instructional methodologies including technology, games, small group discussions, interventions and situated or realistic mathematics to improve student learning and reasoning.
Two articles employ game theory to motivate students: one is a digital equivalent of hide-and-seek, and the other is an app designed to provide a real-life situation that assists students in learning numerical content. Student reasoning, critical thinking, and higher-order thinking were analyzed using interventions. Two articles involve situational learning in mathematics, one involving agriculture and the other maritime travel.
One ethnomathematics article employs culture-based worksheets to improve learning. One article employs Android-based technology to construct a realistic mathematical situation to promote small group learning.

Development of Ucing Sumput as a Digital Educational Game to Enhance Students’ Mathematics Achievement

 Authors: Suparman, Dadang Juandi, Turmudi  (pp7-35)

This paper examines the use of the Ucing Sumput game as an effective digital tool to improve the mathematics achievement of Indonesian students. Using quantitative analysis based on inferential statistics, the authors demonstrate a statistically significant impact of incorporating the Ucing Sumput game, a digital and mathematical adaptation of the traditional “hide and seek” game, on the mathematics achievement of Indonesian students.  The study involved a sample of 67 eleventh-grade students. Mathematics tests in multiple-choice format were used to measure students’ mathematics achievement. Descriptive and inferential statistics were used to analyze the data. Results revealed that the game prototype was valid and practical for mathematics instruction; for example, it significantly enhanced students’ mathematics achievement in enumeration rules and probability.

Exploring Students’ Proportional Reasoning in Mathematical Literacy Problems: Functional and Scalar Relationship Strategies

Authors: Nego Linuhung, Purwanto, Sukoriyanto, Sudirman (pp36-59)

The paper explores Students’ Proportional Reasoning in Mathematical Literacy Problems with a particular interest in the Functional and Scalar Relationship Strategies. The purpose is to identify and analyze the developmental stages of students’ proportional reasoning at the functional and scalar relationship stages in solving mathematical problems. The methodology involved a qualitative analysis of 191 junior high school students who participated in solving mathematical literacy.  The researcher served as the main instrument and data collector, using mathematical literacy questions to measure students’ proportional reasoning. Based on the results of data analysis, students’ proportional reasoning at the stage of functional and scalar relationships was found to involve two types of strategies, both initiated with intuition, first, finding unit values, and second, applying the approach of value comparison rules to see the value of unknown variables. The interested audience may be the teachers living in similar social and educational contexts.

Android-based Mathematics Learning Media on Geometry using the Context of Tourist Destinations

Authors: Lisnani, Afiliana Likurnia Stevani, Benidiktus Tanujaya, Sri Adi (pp60-79)

This study aims to develop Android-based mathematics learning media contextually relevant to tourist destinations. The researcher designed an Android-based learning media application in the form of a storyboard. The methodology employed was the ADDIE approach, comprising five phases: analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation. The initial phase involved one-to-one interactions with three students, while the subsequent small group phase engaged six students. Lastly, a field test was conducted with sixteen fourth-grade students. Document analysis, interviews, questionnaires, and tests were performed for data collection for this study. The data was analyzed, and the media approach was found to be practical. These research results benefit teachers interested in improving their instructional methods by engaging with real-world problems.

Exploring Grade 11 Learners’ Understanding of Trigonometric Equations: An Evaluation of a Remedial Teaching Intervention

Authors: Viwe Tunzana, Angel Mukuka, Benjamin Tatira (pp80-103)

The study aimed to address the challenges in learners’ understanding of trigonometric equations, focusing on the errors and misconceptions learners demonstrated before remedial teaching, and to evaluate the effectiveness of a remedial teaching intervention in improving learners’ comprehension of trigonometric equations. The analysis involved a mixed-methods exploratory case study design, with a purposive sample of 24 eleventh graders from a rural school in the Eastern Cape, South Africa. Quantitative analysis involved a pretest and post-test to assess learners’ performance before and after the intervention. Qualitative analysis involved interviews with two teachers and students to gain deeper insights into their experiences. Results revealed that initially, learners struggled with misconceptions such as confusing trigonometric identities and failing to recognize the properties of trigonometric functions.  After the intervention, which included individualized instruction, small group tutoring, targeted practice exercises, and audio-visual aids, most learners showed significant improvement in their problem-solving abilities.

Enhancing Students’ Informal Statistical Reasoning Skills Through The Development of A Worksheet Rooted in the Nias Culture

Authors: Rahmi Ramadhani, Edi Syahputra, Elmanani Simamora  (pp104-128)

The paper presents an ethnomathematical, culturally contextualized approach to enhancing students’ informal statistical reasoning skills using worksheets grounded in the Nias culture of Indonesia it represents an innovative approach of interest to mathematics educators and curriculum developers. The methodology involved formative evaluations of 48 students using expert validation and small-group trials. The findings indicate that the Nias culture-contextualized worksheets are valid, practical, and efficacious in enhancing high school students’ informal statistical reasoning.

Didactical Design Based on Lesson Studies for Enhancing Problem-solving Abilities when Learning Numerical Patterns

Authors: Eka Senjayawati, Muhamad Galang Isnawan, Sugiman, Elly Arliani  (pp129-153)

The goal was to develop, use, and assess instructional methods based on he theory of design situations and thus realistic mathematics education to help students’ problem solving. Participants in this research were 10 students (12-15 years old) at a private junior high school in Indonesia. The lessons used technology, focusing on number patterns. Qualitative research was conducted using interviews to understand student struggles, and observation of students’ problem-solving was also studied.  The results revealed that this approach optimized students’ problem-solving abilities. This was because learning activities in didactic design were structured based on students’ hobbies or interests in learning.

Error Analysis of Students in Solving First-Order Ordinary Differential Equation Based on SOLO Taxonomy and Newman Error Analysis

Authors: Yarman, Fitrani Dwina, Dewi Murni, Yerizon (pp154-168)

This paper presents a qualitative study that explores students’ challenges while solving differential equations, with a specific focus on Ordinary Differential Equations (ODEs). A topic of interest to STEM teachers. Students’ work was analyzed using the SOLO taxonomy and error analysis. The results revealed students’ conceptual errors, due to weak algebraic skills, incorrect formula usage, lack of knowledge in solving simple linear equations, and calculation errors

Development of a Mathematical Cognitive Test with an Agricultural Context to Improve Students’ Mathematical Connection Ability

Authors: Didik Sugeng Pambudi, Dian Kurniati, Nurcholif Diah Sri Lestari (pp169-192)

The paper researches the development of a Mathematical Cognitive Test (CMT) that integrates an agricultural environmental context to enhance high school students’ Mathematical Connection Ability (MCA) in Jember, Indonesia. The study aims to address the low MCA among Indonesian students by designing a contextually relevant and engaging test that promotes better mathematical problem-solving skills. The potential audience for this research includes middle and high school teachers, curriculum developers, and educators involved in middle and high school mathematics.

The Effects of Visually Assisted Guided Discovery Learning Strategy on Tenth Grade Students’ Problem Solving Skill Of Plane Geometry

Authors: Abebe Kokeb, Mulugeta Atnafu, Adem Mohammed (pp.193-225)

This study aimed to explore the effect of a visually assisted guided discovery learning strategy (VAGDLS) on grade 10 students’ problem-solving skills of learning plane geometry in Ethiopia. The research methodology involved a quasi-experimental research design.  The 96 students involved were assigned to two experimental and one control group. Quantitative data were analyzed using statistical analysis, and the difference was statistically significant.

An Analysis of Mathematics Teaching and Learning Process to Enhance Computational Thinking: The Case of Equation of Straight-Line

Authors: I Made Suarsana, Al Jupri, Didi Suryadi, Elah Nurlaelah, I Gusti Nyoman Yudi Hartawan (pp226-254)

The paper investigates the teaching and learning process of linear equations in junior high school mathematics education, intending to enhance students’ computational thinking (CT) skills. It utilizes a qualitative case study approach involving classroom observations and CT skills tests. The proposal seeks to improve students’ learning experiences by transitioning from a predominantly direct instructional model to more student-centered approaches, fostering active learning and the development of higher-order thinking skills. Through activities emphasizing decomposition, pattern recognition, abstraction, and algorithmic thinking, students are challenged to engage critically with mathematical concepts and apply them in real-world contexts. The proposal offers diverse learning opportunities, catering to various learning needs and preferences, and emphasizes the practical relevance of mathematical concepts, making learning more meaningful and engaging for students. The findings suggest a disconnect between students’ learning experiences in linear equations and the development of their CT abilities. Thus, the paper underscores the importance of designing instructional processes that effectively engage students in higher-order thinking activities to foster CT skills.

Fostering Higher-Order Thinking Skills Through Discussion-Centric Blended Learning

Authors: Anita Dewi Utami, Susiswo, Puguh Darmawan, Imam Rofiki, Sharifah Osman, Octavina Rizky Utami Putri, Reni Albertin Putri, Hanifah Damayanti (pp255-278)

This research describes the implementation of discussion-centered blended learning, which can foster students’ high-order thinking skills (HOTS) in connection with video conferences. Although similar ideas are documented in the research, the authors use a different group of students. There were 31 students, aged 18-20, in the Mathematical Statistics class involved in HOTS. Qualitative analysis was extensive, using audio-visual video recordings, observations, and research notes. Findings indicate students’ success and continued struggles.

Functional Thinking of Maritime Vocational College Students with High Mathematical Abilities

Authors: Luthfiana Tarida, Mega T. Budiarto, Agung Lukito (pp279-315)

The paper investigates the functional thinking processes of gifted maritime vocational college students solving mathematical problems. The focus is on understanding how these students approach and solve problems related to marine safety, a crucial aspect in their field of study. The study provides new insights into the cognitive processes of maritime students, particularly regarding functional thinking – a concept not widely explored in this context. It proposes ways to tailor teaching strategies that align with students’ cognitive processes, potentially leading to more effective learning experiences. The study contributes to classroom research by suggesting how functional thinking can be integrated into problem-solving tasks. Although the authors focus on a very specific issue, the task they have used in their study is relevant for all students. Thus, the possible audience includes not only maritime training professionals but also mathematics teachers and researchers in mathematics education.

Development of Learning Media Based on Realistic Mathematics Education Using Solar2D Apps on the Topic of Entrepreneurship Arithmetic Content

Author: Wibawa, Pandawanna, Wena (pp316-352)

The study concerns the relationships between mathematics and the “modern world” of STEM in connection with mathematics teaching, with a view to critical thinking and problem-solving. More specifically, it employed game adventure and realistic mathematics education (GA-RME) to assist students learn arithmetic content in {Solar 3D) apps. The methodology was mainly a qualitative review of student work and included quantitative descriptions of student scores.

The Problem Corner

by Ivan Retamoso (pp.353-359)

36. Rectangle problem. Proposed by Ivan Retamoso, BMCC, USA.

Find the maximum area of a rectangle that can be circumscribed about a given rectangle with length L and width W. (Your answer may depend on L and W.)

Solution 1: Joel Hernandez, Borough of Manhattan Community College, Dominican Republic.

Solution 2: Dr. Abdullah Kurudirek, Mathematics Ed. Department, Tishk International University.

37. A nearsighted cow problem. Proposed by Ivan Retamoso, BMCC, USA.

A rectangular billboard 5 feet in height stands in a field so that its bottom is 10 feet above the ground. A nearsighted cow with eye level at 4 feet above the ground stands  feet from the billboard. Express , the vertical angle subtended by the billboard at her eye, in terms of . Then find the distance  the cow must stand from the billboard to maximize.

Solution 1: Daunte Monroe, Borough of Manhattan Community College, Kansas City, MO, USA.

Solution 2: Dr. Abdullah Kurudirek, Mathematics Ed. Department, Tishk International University.

New Problems

38. Arcs of circles within a square find area of shaded region: Proposed by Ivan Retamoso, BMCC, USA.

39. Point on a line segment: Proposed by Ivan Retamoso, BMCC, USA.

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