Improving primary school students’ multiplication ability using “smart suitcase” media assisted by mathematical worksheets

Abstract

In mathematics, there are four basic operations that students must master from the elementary school level, namely addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. However, some students experience difficulties or misunderstandings in interpreting multiplication as repeated addition. This research aims to improve the learning outcomes of second-grade students on multiplication material in elementary schools. This research used the teacher action research approach with 20 second-grade students at Kepuhan Sewon Public Elementary School as participants. Apart from that, this research used two data collection methods, namely providing mathematical worksheets and observations carried out by special observers. Data analysis was carried out by looking at the students’ average scores, reflecting through focus group discussions with observers, and filling in observation sheets by the teacher. Furthermore, the results of this research are presented in the form of teacher observation sheet scores and mathematical worksheets work results. The score results on the observation sheet show an increase in scores from learning in cycle 1 to cycle 2. In addition, the average score of students’ mathematical worksheets after intervention in the form of smart suitcase media and mathematical worksheets always increases with pre-cycle details (82), cycle I (93), and cycle II (94). Thus, the use of smart suitcase media assisted by mathematical worksheets has direct implications for improving the learning outcomes of second-grade students in the material of multiplication of integers.