Effectiveness of the Problem Based Learning (PBL) Model in Improving the Mathematical Problem-Solving Ability of 5th Grade Elementary School Students in the Selayar Islands

Abstract

This study aims to determine the effectiveness of the Problem Based Learning (PBL) model in improving the mathematical problem-solving abilities of fifth-grade elementary school students in the Selayar Islands. The research uses a quantitative approach with a quasi-experimental design thru a pretest-posttest control group design. The research sample consisted of 52 students, comprising 26 students in the experimental class and 26 students in the control class. The research instrument is a mathematics problem-solving ability test that has been tested for validity and reliability. Data were analyzed using an independent sample t-test and N-Gain test to determine the difference in the improvement of students' problem-solving abilities in both groups. The research results show that the average posttest score of the experimental class was 82.35, higher than the control class at 71.12. The t-test results indicated a significance value of 0.000 (<0.05), which means there is a significant difference in the improvement of mathematical problem-solving abilities between the two groups. In addition, the average N-Gain score of the experimental class was 0.72, which falls into the high category, while the control class had an average N-Gain score of 0.45, which falls into the moderate category. Thus, the Problem Based Learning model has proven effective in improving the mathematical problem-solving abilities of fifth-grade elementary school students in the Selayar Islands