Dienes block media assisted by mathematical worksheets to improve student learning outcomes: Teacher action research

Abstract

The development of science has shifted the process of learning mathematics from previously only involving numbers to numbers that have meaning, one of which is in the form of stories. However, many problems still need to be solved with the concept of addition and subtraction in the form of story problems. This research aims to improve student learning outcomes in addition and subtraction material through story problems. This research used the Teacher Action Research (TAR) approach with 14 second-grade students at Ciren Elementary School, Indonesia as participants. This research also used two data collection methods: providing mathematical worksheets and observations carried out by special observers. Data analysis was carried out by looking at the mean student scores, reflecting through FGDs with observers, and filling in observation sheets by the teacher. Furthermore, the results of this research are presented in the form of teacher observation sheet scores and mathematical worksheet work results. The score results on the observation sheet show an increase in scores from learning in cycle 1 to cycle 2. In addition, the average score of students' mathematical worksheets after intervention in the form of dienes block media and mathematical worksheets always increases with pre-cycle details (48), cycle I (80), and cycle II (84). Thus, using dienes block media assisted by mathematical worksheets can have direct implications for improving mathematics learning in addition and subtraction operation material.