Improving Mathematics Problem-Solving Skills of Grade IV Elementary School through Problem-Based Learning

Abstract

Elementary mathematics subject matter is generally related to everyday life problems. So it is very appropriate to target the achievement of student competence in mastering problem solving. It is the teacher's responsibility to achieve these competencies, namely by accustoming students to learning that leads to problem solving activities. The study aims to determine how the application of the problem-based learning model affects the mathematical problem solving ability of fourth grade elementary school students. The type of research used in this study is collaborative classroom action research. The subjects in this study were fourth grade elementary school students with a total of 26 students. The instruments used in this research are observation, interview, and final test. The test used was in the form of essay. This research uses qualitative descriptive data analysis techniques. Based on the results of the study, the score of mathematical problem solving ability increased in each cycle, with an average score of 58.57 in the pre-cycle, increased to 68.89 in cycle I, and increased significantly in cycle II to 78.89. The criteria for problem solving ability met the excellent criteria for the indicators of Understanding the problem, planning the solution, and explaining/checking the correctness of the answers obtained. In addition, the indicator of implementing the plan met the good indicator. The number of passing students increased from cycle I which was only 19 people, increasing to 26 people at the end of cycle II. Based on the overall data analysis, the PBL model can make students' mathematics problem solving skills better.