Improving Mathematical Problem-Solving Skills of Grade X Students on Arithmetic Sequence Material Through the Application of the Discovery Learning Model

Abstract

This study was motivated by the lack of student motivation caused by the assumption that math is difficult and teachers who still practice conventional learning models in learning mathematics. As a result, students have low mathematical problem solving skills. The purpose of this study is to show that the improvement of mathematical problem solving ability of students taught used Discovery Learning model is better than students taught used conventional learning model. This research used quantitative approach with quasi experimental method and The Nonequivalent Pretest Posttest Control Group Design. The population of this study was class X SMAN 4 Kediri in the 2023/2024 academic year. Sampling was done by random sampling. The instruments used in this study were lesson plans / teaching modules, pretest questions and posttest questions. Data analysis techniques used the Mann Whitney U Test. Based on the results of the study, the increase in the average pretest and posttest scores was 42.6562 with the level of students' mathematical problem solving skills increased by 40.56% in the experimental class. While in the control class, the increased in the average value of the pretest and posttest was 15.9143 with the level of students' mathematical problem solving ability increased by 16.53%. Thus, it is concluded that the improvement of mathematical problem solving ability of students taught used Discovery Learning model is better than the improvement of mathematical problem solving ability of students taught used conventional learning model. Keywords: mathematical problem solving ability, discovery learning