Promoting Mathematical Representative Skill in Vocational Students by Blended Problem-Based Learning
S R Setiyorini* and A N Fajariah
Pendidikan Matematika, Institut Keguruan dan Ilmu Pendidikan Siliwangi, Jl. Terusan Jenderal Sudirman, Cimahi 40526, Indonesia
*sr.setiyorini[at]gmail.com
Abstract
Low mathematical representation skill causes the inability of vocational students solving problems creatively as demanded by industries. Previous researches showed that blended problem-based learning (BL-PBL), which combines online and offline learning to train students to independently solve problems, was proven to increase mathematical skills in several education levels. Therefore, this research is aimed to evaluate BL-PBL effect to mathematical representation skill escalation in vocational high school. Quantitative study with pre-test and post-test control group design was performed to two randomly-chosen classes over vocational schools in Kabupaten Bandung Barat, West Java, Indonesia. Samples were divided into two groups: experimental (BL-PBL method) and control (lecture method). Initial skill was determined by pre-test while learning outcome was determined using post-test. Data was analyzed by t-test and two-way ANOVA with 0.05 significance level using IBM SPSS. Result showed the initial skill of two groups was similar. After treatment, N-gain data uncovered a significant increase of representative skill in experimental group. While, two-way ANOVA test showed no interaction between learning model used and student grouping based on initial skill to representation skill. Finally, BL-PBL was proven to increase mathematical representation skill in vocational students and, hence, is suggested to be implemented in vocational high school.
Keywords: Blended Learning, Problem-Based Learning, Mathematical Representation Skill, Vocational High School
Topic: Mathematics Education