An analysis of numeracy ability in plane figures among junior high school students
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.17509/curricula.v5i1.93703Keywords:
junior high school, Mathematics learning, numeracy skills, plane figuresAbstract
The low numeracy skills of junior high school students remain a major challenge in Mathematics learning, particularly in plane figures material that requires conceptual understanding, procedural application, and integrated reasoning. This study aims to analyze the numeracy skills of seventh-grade students at SMPN 2 Kasihan using an open essay test. The approach in this study was a descriptive, quantitative design, with 120 students as the main participants. The instrument consisted of seven validated essay questions to measure aspects of mathematical understanding, application, and reasoning. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, including maximum, minimum, average, and standard deviation scores, as well as categorization of student achievement. The results showed a very significant variation in ability. Most students were in the low category, and only a few were in the very high category. The highest achievement was in understanding, while application and reasoning were still very low. These findings emphasize the need for innovative, problem-based, context-driven learning, supported by intensive remedial programs and peer tutoring, to comprehensively improve students' mathematical literacy and address the challenges of 21st-century national education.
Abstrak
Rendahnya kemampuan numerasi siswa SMP masih menjadi tantangan utama dalam pembelajaran Matematika, khususnya pada materi bangun datar yang menuntut pemahaman konsep, penerapan prosedur, serta penalaran secara terpadu. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menganalisis tingkat kemampuan numerasi siswa kelas VII di SMPN 2 Kasihan melalui tes uraian terbuka. Pendekatan pada penelitian ini adalah deskriptif kuantitatif, dengan 120 siswa sebagai partisipan utama. Instrumen berupa tujuh soal uraian tervalidasi guna mengukur aspek pemahaman, penerapan, dan penalaran matematis. Data dianalisis melalui statistik deskriptif, meliputi nilai maksimum, minimum, rata-rata, standar deviasi, serta kategorisasi capaian siswa. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan variasi kemampuan yang sangat signifikan. Sebagian besar siswa berada pada kategori rendah dan hanya sedikit yang berada kategori sangat tinggi. Capaian tertinggi pada aspek pemahaman, sementara penerapan dan penalaran masih sangat rendah. Temuan ini menegaskan perlunya inovasi pembelajaran kontekstual berbasis masalah yang didukung program remedial intensif serta tutor sebaya guna meningkatkan literasi Matematika siswa secara menyeluruh demi menjawab segala tantangan pendidikan nasional di abad ke-21.
Kata Kunci: bangun datar; kemampuan numerasi; pembelajaran Matematika; SMP
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