Journal of Mathematics Education and Science

REFLECTIVE THINKING OF JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN SOLVING NUMERACY PROBLEMS VIEWED FROM MATHEMATICAL ABILITY

Nisak Ayu Nur Arofah — 2026-03-24

This research aims to explore in depth the reflective thinking processes of junior high school students in solving numeracy problems based on mathematical ability. The study employed a qualitative approach with a case study design involving six female students from class IX H of SMP Negeri 31 Surabaya, consisting of two high-ability students, two medium-ability students, and two low-ability students selected through purposive sampling. Data collection was conducted through the Mathematical Ability Test, the Numeracy Problem Test in an algebraic context, and semi-structured interviews, and the data were analyzed descriptively and qualitatively following the Miles and Huberman model, with source triangulation to ensure data validity. The research findings reveal significant differences in reflective thinking characteristics across mathematical ability categories. High-ability students demonstrated comprehensive reflective thinking with strong metacognitive awareness, capable of accurately identifying variables, flexibly planning strategies, and conducting thorough evaluations, including exploration of alternatives. Medium-ability students had strong foundations in reflective thinking but tended to perform procedural checks without in-depth exploration, indicating a transitional stage in metacognitive awareness development. Low-ability students experienced significant limitations in reflective thinking and metacognitive awareness, exacerbated by low self-confidence. This research concludes that differentiated learning tailored to students' ability levels is necessary: low-ability students require intensive scaffolding, medium-ability students need guidance in transitioning from procedural to strategic reflection, and high-ability students require complex challenges to optimize their metacognitive abilities.

Developing Computer Science Unplugged Worksheets to Enhance Second-Grade Number Concept Understanding

Titik Purnamasari — 2026-03-27

This study aimed to develop and evaluate Computer Science Unplugged (CS Unplugged)–based student worksheets to enhance second-grade students’ understanding of number concepts. This study employed a Research and Development approach using the ADDIE model and involved 26 second‑grade students in a limited practical trial. The developed worksheets were evaluated through expert validation, practicality testing based on teacher and student responses, and effectiveness testing using a one-group pretest–posttest design. The results indicated that the worksheets achieved a very high level of validity (media: 92.67%; content: 91.67%) and practicality (students: 91.38%; teacher: 90%). The effectiveness test showed a substantial improvement in students’ learning outcomes, with the mean score increasing from 67 in the pretest to 90.38 in the posttest, and an N-gain score of 0.73, categorized as high. These findings demonstrate that CS Unplugged–based worksheets are valid, practical, and effective for improving students’ understanding of number concepts while supporting the integration of computational thinking in elementary mathematics education.

AN EXPLORATORY MIXED METHODS STUDY OF STUDENTS’ CRITICAL THINKING BASED ON SELF-REGULATED LEARNING IN NUMERACY LITERACY PROBLEM SOLVING

Ayu Faiqoh Khoiri — 2026-01-07

This study aims to explore students’ critical thinking skills in solving numeracy literacy problems based on their levels of Self-Regulated Learning (SRL). The research employed a mixed-methods approach with an explanatory sequential design, involving 36 eleventh-grade students from a public senior high school in Bojonegoro. Quantitative data were collected through SRL questionnaires and numeracy literacy tests, while qualitative data were obtained from in-depth interviews with students representing high, medium, and low SRL categories. The results reveal a consistent relationship between SRL levels and critical thinking abilities. Students with high SRL demonstrated systematic and reflective critical thinking, encompassing interpretation, analysis, evaluation, and reflection. Students with medium SRL showed adequate analytical and evaluative abilities but were less consistent in reflection, while students with low SRL tended to rely on procedural thinking without re-evaluating their results. This study contributes by providing an exploratory mixed-methods profile of students’ critical thinking across different levels of self-regulated learning in numeracy literacy problem solving. The findings suggest that enhancing self-regulation plays a vital role in fostering students’ critical thinking, particularly in numeracy literacy tasks that require logical reasoning and metacognitive reflection.