Improving reasoning ability through contextual teaching and learning in differential equations

Abstract

Abstract One of important aspects in mathematics learning is reasoning. This research aims to improve students’ reasoning ability through contextual teaching and learning in differential equations. This is a research and development based on lesson study. The subjects are 34 students of the fifth semester of the Department of Mathematics Education, Universitas Muhammadiyah Surakarta. The data were collected through observation, field notes, test and documentation. The technique of data analysis was a flow-method that consisted of data reduction, data display and verification. The result showed that there were the increase in the average values of the indicators of reasoning ability as follows: 1) analyzing the problems of 3.5; 3.59; and 3.88, 2) organizing the settlement of 2.18; 3.31; and 3.41, 3) interpreting the results of 2.18; 3.0; and 3.32, and 4) explaining the problems of 1.44; 2.01; and 3.29. It can be concluded that the implementation of contextual teaching and learning is able to improve the student reasoning ability in differential equations.