Improvement in mathematics learning outcomes on addition and subtraction material for 1st-grade students at SDN 3 Mulyoarjo using concrete media

Abstract

Mathematics is a difficult subject for some elementary school students. And it is considered a nightmare because it is very difficult to solve and understand.The foundation of learning mathematics is addition and subtraction. Therefore, students, especially first-grade elementary school students, must be given a strong foundation in addition and subtraction so that they can easily solve mathematical problems. Teaching methods or strategies, as well as learning tools, are absolutely necessary to engage students. The formulation of the problem in this research is to improve the mathematics learning outcomes on addition and subtraction for first-grade students at SDN 3 Mulyoarjo through the use of concrete media. This research aims to improve students' ability to operationalize addition and subtraction with the help of concrete objects, and it is also expected to be beneficial for students, researchers, and parents. To achieve this goal, classroom action research was conducted with 26 first-grade students at SDN 3 Mulyoarjo, carried out in 2 cycles. The method used in this research is a qualitative approach that describes the actual problems in the field, which are then reflected upon and analyzed based on supporting theories, followed by the implementation of field research. The data obtained in this study were through observation, monitoring, discussion, and evaluation. The results of this study show an improvement from the pre-action activities, cycle I, and cycle II. In the pre-action research, 35% of the students achieved learning completeness. After the intervention using concrete objects, the completion rate increased to 85%, and in the subsequent cycle, all students achieved learning mastery. Mathematics learning using concrete media is conducted in stages, namely: (1) presentation of material, (2) formation of groups and numbering, (3) group thinking, (4) group presentation, (5) awarding, and (6) drawing conclusions, can improve learning outcomes and student activity at SDN 3 Mulyoarjo.