IMPROVING MATHEMATICAL PROBLEM-SOLVING ABILITY ON ANGLE TOPICS THROUGH DISCOVERY LEARNING ASSISTED BY SCOUT SEMAPHORE ETHNOMATHEMATICS

Authors
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.24114/tbkwge12
Keywords:
Classroom Action Research, Discovery Learning, Ethnomathematics, Mathematical Problem-Solving, Scout Semaphore, Angle
Abstract

This study addresses the low mathematical problem-solving ability of Grade 5 students at SD 2 Bae, Kudus, on angle topics, evidenced by a pre-cycle class average of 35.46 and a 6.7% classical mastery rate. The objective of this research is to improve students' mathematical problem-solving ability and teacher teaching skills through a Discovery Learning model assisted by Scout semaphore ethnomathematics. The semaphore signaling system, in which each of the 26 letters (A-Z) forms a geometrically measurable angle (45°, 90°, 135°, 180°), bridges cultural scouting practice and formal mathematical concepts of angles. This Classroom Action Research (CAR) study employed the Kemmis and McTaggart cyclical model across two cycles with 15 Grade-5 students as subjects. Data were collected through Polya-based problem-solving tests, teacher teaching skill observation sheets (8 indicators, 13 items), semi-structured interviews, and documentation. Results showed significant improvement: class average increased from 35.46 (pre-cycle) to 85.0 (Cycle II); classical mastery rose from 6.7% to 93.3%, surpassing the ≥75% success indicator; and all four Polya indicators reached 'good' or 'very good' by Cycle II. Teacher teaching skills improved from 76.9% (fairly good) to 84.6% (good), exceeding the ≥79% target. These findings confirm that ethnomathematics-integrated Discovery Learning effectively develops mathematical problem-solving competence while promoting culturally responsive mathematics instruction.

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Author Biographies
  1. Abdullah Basar, Muria Kudus University

    Program Studi Pendidikan Guru Sekolah Dasar, FKIP, Universitas Muria Kudus

  2. Yuni Ratnasari, Muria Kudus University

    Program Studi Pendidikan Guru Sekolah Dasar, FKIP, Universitas Muria Kudus

  3. Eka Zuliana, Muria Kudus University

    Program Studi Pendidikan Guru Sekolah Dasar, FKIP, Universitas Muria Kudus

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Published
2026-06-18
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Vol. 16 No. 2 (2026): SCHOOL EDUCATION JOURNAL PGSD FIP UNIMED
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