THE EFFECTIVENESS OF DISCOVERY LEARNING MODEL WITH A REALISTIC MATHEMATICS EDUCATION (RME) APPROACH IN ENHANCING STUDENT’S MATHEMATICAL REASONING SKILLS

Abstract

This study aims to determine the effectiveness of the Discovery Learning model with the Realistic Mathematics Education (RME) approach on students’ mathematical reasoning skills. This study employed a quasi-experimental method using a pretest-posttest control group design. The study population consisted of all eighth-grade students at SMPN 8 Tasikmalaya. The sample was selected using cluster random sampling, consisting of an experimental class that received instruction using the Discovery Learning model with the RME approach and a control class that received instruction using the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) model. The research instrument was a mathematical reasoning ability test. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics and inferential statistics via the Independent Samples t-Test. The results of the study indicate that the value of ½ sig. is 0.017 < 0.05, so H? is rejected. This indicates that the mathematical reasoning ability of students who received instruction using the Discovery Learning model with the RME approach is better than that of students who received instruction using the PBL model. Thus, the Discovery Learning model with the RME approach is effective in improving students’ mathematical reasoning ability.