PENGARUH PENGGUNAAN PENDEKATAN REALISTIC MATHEMATICS EDUCATION (RME) DENGAN ALAT PERAGA KONKRET TERHADAP PEMAHAMAN KONSEP LUAS DAN KELILING BANGUN DATAR SISWA KELAS IV SDN 040450 KABANJAHE

Abstract

This study was motivated by the low level of students’ conceptual understanding in mathematics, particularly in the topic of area and perimeter of plane figures in the fourth grade of elementary school. Many students still experience difficulties in understanding the basic concepts, and their learning outcomes are often below the Minimum Mastery Criteria (KKM). This problem occurs because the learning process is still dominated by conventional lecture methods and lacks the use of concrete teaching aids that can help students understand mathematical concepts more effectively. Therefore, this study aims to determine the effect of using the Realistic Mathematics Education (RME) approach with concrete teaching aids on improving students’ understanding of the concepts of area and perimeter of plane figures in fourth grade elementary school. This research used a quantitative approach with an experimental method. The research design applied was a pretest-posttest design to determine the difference in students’ conceptual understanding before and after the implementation of the Realistic Mathematics Education (RME) approach with concrete teaching aids. The research subjects were fourth-grade elementary school students. Data were collected through tests, observations, and documentation. The data were analyzed using descriptive analysis and hypothesis testing to determine the effect of the applied learning approach on students’ conceptual understanding. The results of the study indicate that the use of the Realistic Mathematics Education (RME) approach with concrete teaching aids has a positive effect on improving students’ understanding of the concepts of area and perimeter of plane figures. Through this approach, the learning process becomes more active, contextual, and meaningful because students are able to relate mathematical concepts to real-life situations. In addition, the use of concrete teaching aids helps students understand the concepts more clearly and systematically. Therefore, the Realistic Mathematics Education (RME) approach with concrete teaching aids can be an effective alternative in improving students’ mathematical conceptual understanding in elementary schools.