The exploration of ethnomathematics based on Rapa’i Geleng dance as mathematics learning media

Abstract

Abstract Several abstract topics in mathematics are considered unrelated to contextual problems. This condition occurs because students cannot use some abstract mathematics topics which obtained at school in their daily activities. Hence, students are less interested in mathematics learning. Therefore, a bridge connecting formal school mathematics and the local culture is needed; one of them is ethnomathematics research method design. Ethnomathematics is a qualitative method design which examines the practice and elements of mathematics in a cultural group. One of the cultures which grows, develops, and is popular in Banda Aceh City is the Rapa’i Geleng dance. Rapa’i Geleng is a traditional Acehnese dance performed by shaking the head to the left and right regularly in a specific pattern following the rhythmic strains of the Acehnese traditional musical instrument called Rapa’i. The data were collected through document review, including videos, photos, notes, and interviews with experts. The results of the exploration show that there is a mathematical concept in the Rapa’i Geleng dance, namely number pattern. The sequence topic was observed from dancers’ regular movement based on their position. Consequently, this dance is supposed to be used as a learning medium to explain abstract mathematical concepts to the students.