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Abstract
Junior high school students often have difficulties in understanding linear equations in one variable (LEOV). Therefore, this research aimed to enhance junior high school students' understanding of LEOV by developing and implementing effective learning activities. The research was conducted as design research in three stages: preliminary design, teaching experiment, and retrospective analysis. The participants of the research were 50 seventh-grade students from two junior high schools in Bandung, Indonesia. The data collected from observations, interviews, and student worksheets were analyzed using triangulation to ensure the validity and reliability of the research. The research explored how the teacher explained LEOV in four meetings and how they contributed to students’ understanding, where the first meeting dealt with open sentences, closed sentences, and the definition of LEOV from the context of distance and displacement, the second focused on solving LEOV from the context of two passing trains, and third focused on fractional LEOV from the context of jogging, and the fourth provided the students an opportunity to apply the LEOV concept from a dynamo-powered toy car simulation. The implication of the research is that teachers can significantly improve students' understanding of LEOV by implementing effective learning activities as identified here.
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Copyright (c) 2025 Siti Maryam Rohimah, Darhim, Dadang Juandi
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References
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- Bakker, A. (2018). What is design research in education? In Design research in education: A practical guide for early career researchers (pp. 3-22). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203701010
- Birgin, O., & Yazıcı, K. U. (2021). The effect of GeoGebra software–supported mathematics instruction on eighth-grade students’ conceptual understanding and retention. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 37(4), 925–939. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcal.12532
- Chan, J. Y.-C., Ottmar, E. R., Smith, H., & Closser, A. H. (2022). Variables versus numbers: Effects of symbols and algebraic knowledge on students’ problem-solving strategies. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 71, 102114. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cedpsych.2022.102114
- Duyen, N. T. H., & Loc, N. P. (2022). Developing primary students’ understanding of mathematics through mathematization: A case of teaching the multiplication of two natural numbers. European Journal of Educational Research, 11(1), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.12973/EU-JER.11.1.1
- Fauziah, A., & Pandra, V. (2023). Developing PISA-like mathematics tasks in Musi Rawas Regency contexts using lesson study. Jurnal Pendidikan Matematika, 17(3), 279–296. https://doi.org/10.22342/jpm.17.3.20063.279-296
- Hikmah, N. H., Siswono, T. Y. E., & Zahri, M. (2021). Profile of collaborative problem solving among XI grade students in solving financial mathematics problems. Journal of Mathematical Pedagogy (JoMP), 2(2), 82–91. https://doi.org/10.26740/jomp.v2n2.p82-91
- Kesumawati, N., Lusiana, Fuadiah, N. F., & Retta, A. M. (2024). Obstacles to relations and functions concepts learning in terms of theory of didactic situations criteria. Jurnal Pendidikan Matematika, 18(2), 259–272. https://doi.org/10.22342/jpm.v18i2.pp259-272
- Khoa, B. T., Hung, B. P., & Hejsalem-Brahmi, M. (2023). Qualitative research in social sciences: data collection, data analysis and report writing. International Journal of Public Sector Performance Management, 12(1–2), 187–209. http://dx.doi.org/10.1504/IJPSPM.2022.10038439
- Kolar, V. M., & Hodnik, T. (2021). Mathematical literacy from the perspective of solving contextual problems. European Journal of Educational Research, 10(1), 467–483. https://doi.org/10.12973/eu-jer.10.1.467
- Kranz, J., Baur, A., & Möller, A. (2023). Learners’ challenges in understanding and performing experiments: a systematic review of the literature. Studies in Science Education, 59(2), 321–367. https://doi.org/10.1080/03057267.2022.2138151
- McCallum, W. G. (2007). Assessing the strands of student proficiency in elementary algebra. Mathematical Sciences Research Institute Publications, 157–162. https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511755378.016
- Mengistie, S. M. (2020). Enhancing students’ understanding of linear equations with one variable through teaching. International Journal of Trends in Mathematics Education Research, 3(2), 69–80. https://doi.org/10.33122/ijtmer.v3i2.148
- Morgan, H. (2022). Conducting a qualitative document analysis. The Qualitative Report, 27(1), 64–77. https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2022.5044
- Moyo, M., & Machaba, F. M. (2021). Grade 9 learners’ understanding of fraction concepts: Equality of fractions, numerator and denominator. Pythagoras, 42(1), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.4102/pythagoras.v42i1.602
- Muhammad, I., Jupri, A., & Herman, T. (2025). Development of web-based learning media with a realistic mathematics education approach to increase student self-determination. Infinity Journal, 14(2), 303-322. https://doi.org/10.22460/infinity.v14i2.p303-322
- Namkung, J. M., & Bricko, N. (2021). The effects of algebraic equation solving intervention for students with mathematics learning difficulties. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 54(2), 111–123. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022219420930814
- Nugroho, H., & Septianisha, N. I. (2025). Improving students’ mathematical representation skills in systems of linear equations in two variables through Geogebra-Based STEM approaches: A quasi-experimental study. Jurnal Pendidikan Matematika dan IPA, 16(1), 67–81. https://doi.org/10.26418/jpmipa.v16i1.78553
- Nusantara, D. S., Zulkardi, & Putri, R. I. I. (2021). Designing PISA-like mathematics task using a COVID-19 Context (PISAComat). Journal on Mathematics Education, 12(2), 349–364. http://doi.org/10.22342/jme.12.2.13181.349-364
- Nusantara, D. S., Zulkardi, N., & Putri, R. I. I. (2024). How to design PISA-like digital mathematics problems: A preliminary study. AIP Conference Proceedings, 3104, 020002. https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0194756
- Otten, M., van den Heuvel‐Panhuizen, M., Veldhuis, M., Boom, J., & Heinze, A. (2020). Are physical experiences with the balance model beneficial for students’ algebraic reasoning? An evaluation of two learning environments for linear equations. Education Sciences, 10(6), 1–23. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci10060163
- Permaganti, B., & Zanthy, L. S. (2023). Analysis Study: Errors in solving linear equations and inequalities story problems with one variable. JPMI (Jurnal Pembelajaran Matematika Inovatif), 6(2), 651–660. https://doi.org/10.22460/jpmi.v6i2.13890
- Prasetyo, R. D., & Qohar, A. (2023). Development of Android based learning media on the topic of one-variable linear equation. AIP Conference Proceedings, 2491(1). https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0105218
- Purniawan, P., Hidayah, I., & Sukestiyarno, Y. L. (2022). The STEM-based mathematics module development to improve numerical literacy and learning self-directness of fifth graders. Journal of Primary Education, 11(2), 247–260. https://journal.unnes.ac.id/sju/jpe/article/view/69616
- Putri, R. I. I., Zulkardi, & Riskanita, A. D. (2022). Students’ problem-solving ability in solving algebra tasks using the context of Palembang. Journal on Mathematics Education, 13(3), 549–564. http://doi.org/10.22342/jme.v13i3.pp549-564
- Rohimah, S. M., Darhim, D., & Juandi, D. (2022). A local instructional theory (LIT) for teaching linear equation through STEM instruction. Jurnal Elemen, 8(2), 340–351. https://doi.org/10.29408/jel.v8i2.4727
- Rohimah, S. M., Darhim, & Juandi, D. (2023). Developing mathematical proficiency in junior high school: A case study on linear equations in one variable. AIP Conference Proceedings, 2734(1). https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0162111
- Salifu, A. S. (2022). The effects of balance model and algebra tiles manipulative in solving linear equations in one variable. Contemporary Mathematics and Science Education, 3(2), ep22012. https://doi.org/10.30935/conmaths/12028
- Schoenfeld, A. H. (2007). Issues and tensions in the assessment of mathematical proficiency. In Assessing mathematical proficiency (Vol. 53, pp. 3–16). Citeseer. https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511755378.003
- Suherman, Setiawan, R. H., Herdia, & Anggoro, B. S. (2021). 21st century STEM education: An increase in mathematical critical thinking skills and gender through technological integration. Journal of Advanced Sciences and Mathematics Education, 1(2), 2798–1606. https://doi.org/10.58524/jasme.v1i2.29
- Supianti, I., Yaniawati, P., Ramadhan, A. G., Setyaji, M., & Puspitasari, P. (2022). Improving connection ability and mathematical disposition of junior high school students with connecting, organizing, reflecting, extending (CORE) learning model. Jurnal Pendidikan Matematika, 16(2), 187-202. https://doi.org/10.22342/jpm.16.2.17079.187-202
- Tafari, N., Murni, A., & Roza, Y. (2024). Analysis of students’ ability to solve mathematical problems on contextual problems involving algebraic forms. Jurnal Pendidikan Matematika dan IPA, 15(3), 491–507. https://doi.org/10.26418/jpmipa.v15i3.80590
- Tonra, W. S., Syam Tonra, W., Ikhsan, M., & Achmad, F. (2022). Improving Conceptual Understanding Through STEM-Based Mathematics Learning. JTAM (Jurnal Teori Dan Aplikasi Matematika), 6(3), 789. https://doi.org/10.31764/jtam.v6i3.8682
- Vollmuller, B., Veldhuis, M., Otten, M., Stuber, So., Anantharajan, M., & Keijzer, R. (2020). Young students’ functional thinking modes: The relation between recursive patterning, covariational thinking, and correspondence relations. Journal for Research in Mathematics Education, 51(5), 631–674. https://doi.org/10.5951/jresematheduc-2020-0164
- Wicaksono, A., Prabawanto, S., & Suryadi, D. (2024). How students’ obstacles in solving mathematical tasks deal with linear equation in one variabel. Al-Jabar: Jurnal Pendidikan Matematika, 15(1), 33. https://doi.org/10.24042/ajpm.v15i1.21137
- Yarman, Y., Yerizon, Y., Dwina, F., Murni, D., & Hevardani, K. A. (2024). Analysis of concept construction and student errors on the topic of double integral based on APOS theory. Jurnal Pendidikan Matematika, 18(3), 367–386. https://doi.org/10.22342/jpm.v18i3.pp367-386
References
Arlavinda, V., & Anriani, N. (2022). Effect of STEM learning method on students’ mathematical concepts understanding in social arithmetics topic. Edumatika: Jurnal Riset Pendidikan Matematika, 5(2). https://doi.org/10.32939/ejrpm.v5i2.1515
Assadi, N., & Hibi, W. (2022). The impact of using real life situations in solving linear equations by seventh graders. Journal of Educational and Social Research, 12(1), 51–68. https://doi.org/10.36941/jesr-2022-0006
Bakker, A. (2018). What is design research in education? In Design research in education: A practical guide for early career researchers (pp. 3-22). Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203701010
Birgin, O., & Yazıcı, K. U. (2021). The effect of GeoGebra software–supported mathematics instruction on eighth-grade students’ conceptual understanding and retention. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 37(4), 925–939. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcal.12532
Chan, J. Y.-C., Ottmar, E. R., Smith, H., & Closser, A. H. (2022). Variables versus numbers: Effects of symbols and algebraic knowledge on students’ problem-solving strategies. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 71, 102114. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cedpsych.2022.102114
Duyen, N. T. H., & Loc, N. P. (2022). Developing primary students’ understanding of mathematics through mathematization: A case of teaching the multiplication of two natural numbers. European Journal of Educational Research, 11(1), 1–16. https://doi.org/10.12973/EU-JER.11.1.1
Fauziah, A., & Pandra, V. (2023). Developing PISA-like mathematics tasks in Musi Rawas Regency contexts using lesson study. Jurnal Pendidikan Matematika, 17(3), 279–296. https://doi.org/10.22342/jpm.17.3.20063.279-296
Hikmah, N. H., Siswono, T. Y. E., & Zahri, M. (2021). Profile of collaborative problem solving among XI grade students in solving financial mathematics problems. Journal of Mathematical Pedagogy (JoMP), 2(2), 82–91. https://doi.org/10.26740/jomp.v2n2.p82-91
Kesumawati, N., Lusiana, Fuadiah, N. F., & Retta, A. M. (2024). Obstacles to relations and functions concepts learning in terms of theory of didactic situations criteria. Jurnal Pendidikan Matematika, 18(2), 259–272. https://doi.org/10.22342/jpm.v18i2.pp259-272
Khoa, B. T., Hung, B. P., & Hejsalem-Brahmi, M. (2023). Qualitative research in social sciences: data collection, data analysis and report writing. International Journal of Public Sector Performance Management, 12(1–2), 187–209. http://dx.doi.org/10.1504/IJPSPM.2022.10038439
Kolar, V. M., & Hodnik, T. (2021). Mathematical literacy from the perspective of solving contextual problems. European Journal of Educational Research, 10(1), 467–483. https://doi.org/10.12973/eu-jer.10.1.467
Kranz, J., Baur, A., & Möller, A. (2023). Learners’ challenges in understanding and performing experiments: a systematic review of the literature. Studies in Science Education, 59(2), 321–367. https://doi.org/10.1080/03057267.2022.2138151
McCallum, W. G. (2007). Assessing the strands of student proficiency in elementary algebra. Mathematical Sciences Research Institute Publications, 157–162. https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511755378.016
Mengistie, S. M. (2020). Enhancing students’ understanding of linear equations with one variable through teaching. International Journal of Trends in Mathematics Education Research, 3(2), 69–80. https://doi.org/10.33122/ijtmer.v3i2.148
Morgan, H. (2022). Conducting a qualitative document analysis. The Qualitative Report, 27(1), 64–77. https://doi.org/10.46743/2160-3715/2022.5044
Moyo, M., & Machaba, F. M. (2021). Grade 9 learners’ understanding of fraction concepts: Equality of fractions, numerator and denominator. Pythagoras, 42(1), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.4102/pythagoras.v42i1.602
Muhammad, I., Jupri, A., & Herman, T. (2025). Development of web-based learning media with a realistic mathematics education approach to increase student self-determination. Infinity Journal, 14(2), 303-322. https://doi.org/10.22460/infinity.v14i2.p303-322
Namkung, J. M., & Bricko, N. (2021). The effects of algebraic equation solving intervention for students with mathematics learning difficulties. Journal of Learning Disabilities, 54(2), 111–123. https://doi.org/10.1177/0022219420930814
Nugroho, H., & Septianisha, N. I. (2025). Improving students’ mathematical representation skills in systems of linear equations in two variables through Geogebra-Based STEM approaches: A quasi-experimental study. Jurnal Pendidikan Matematika dan IPA, 16(1), 67–81. https://doi.org/10.26418/jpmipa.v16i1.78553
Nusantara, D. S., Zulkardi, & Putri, R. I. I. (2021). Designing PISA-like mathematics task using a COVID-19 Context (PISAComat). Journal on Mathematics Education, 12(2), 349–364. http://doi.org/10.22342/jme.12.2.13181.349-364
Nusantara, D. S., Zulkardi, N., & Putri, R. I. I. (2024). How to design PISA-like digital mathematics problems: A preliminary study. AIP Conference Proceedings, 3104, 020002. https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0194756
Otten, M., van den Heuvel‐Panhuizen, M., Veldhuis, M., Boom, J., & Heinze, A. (2020). Are physical experiences with the balance model beneficial for students’ algebraic reasoning? An evaluation of two learning environments for linear equations. Education Sciences, 10(6), 1–23. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci10060163
Permaganti, B., & Zanthy, L. S. (2023). Analysis Study: Errors in solving linear equations and inequalities story problems with one variable. JPMI (Jurnal Pembelajaran Matematika Inovatif), 6(2), 651–660. https://doi.org/10.22460/jpmi.v6i2.13890
Prasetyo, R. D., & Qohar, A. (2023). Development of Android based learning media on the topic of one-variable linear equation. AIP Conference Proceedings, 2491(1). https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0105218
Purniawan, P., Hidayah, I., & Sukestiyarno, Y. L. (2022). The STEM-based mathematics module development to improve numerical literacy and learning self-directness of fifth graders. Journal of Primary Education, 11(2), 247–260. https://journal.unnes.ac.id/sju/jpe/article/view/69616
Putri, R. I. I., Zulkardi, & Riskanita, A. D. (2022). Students’ problem-solving ability in solving algebra tasks using the context of Palembang. Journal on Mathematics Education, 13(3), 549–564. http://doi.org/10.22342/jme.v13i3.pp549-564
Rohimah, S. M., Darhim, D., & Juandi, D. (2022). A local instructional theory (LIT) for teaching linear equation through STEM instruction. Jurnal Elemen, 8(2), 340–351. https://doi.org/10.29408/jel.v8i2.4727
Rohimah, S. M., Darhim, & Juandi, D. (2023). Developing mathematical proficiency in junior high school: A case study on linear equations in one variable. AIP Conference Proceedings, 2734(1). https://doi.org/10.1063/5.0162111
Salifu, A. S. (2022). The effects of balance model and algebra tiles manipulative in solving linear equations in one variable. Contemporary Mathematics and Science Education, 3(2), ep22012. https://doi.org/10.30935/conmaths/12028
Schoenfeld, A. H. (2007). Issues and tensions in the assessment of mathematical proficiency. In Assessing mathematical proficiency (Vol. 53, pp. 3–16). Citeseer. https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9780511755378.003
Suherman, Setiawan, R. H., Herdia, & Anggoro, B. S. (2021). 21st century STEM education: An increase in mathematical critical thinking skills and gender through technological integration. Journal of Advanced Sciences and Mathematics Education, 1(2), 2798–1606. https://doi.org/10.58524/jasme.v1i2.29
Supianti, I., Yaniawati, P., Ramadhan, A. G., Setyaji, M., & Puspitasari, P. (2022). Improving connection ability and mathematical disposition of junior high school students with connecting, organizing, reflecting, extending (CORE) learning model. Jurnal Pendidikan Matematika, 16(2), 187-202. https://doi.org/10.22342/jpm.16.2.17079.187-202
Tafari, N., Murni, A., & Roza, Y. (2024). Analysis of students’ ability to solve mathematical problems on contextual problems involving algebraic forms. Jurnal Pendidikan Matematika dan IPA, 15(3), 491–507. https://doi.org/10.26418/jpmipa.v15i3.80590
Tonra, W. S., Syam Tonra, W., Ikhsan, M., & Achmad, F. (2022). Improving Conceptual Understanding Through STEM-Based Mathematics Learning. JTAM (Jurnal Teori Dan Aplikasi Matematika), 6(3), 789. https://doi.org/10.31764/jtam.v6i3.8682
Vollmuller, B., Veldhuis, M., Otten, M., Stuber, So., Anantharajan, M., & Keijzer, R. (2020). Young students’ functional thinking modes: The relation between recursive patterning, covariational thinking, and correspondence relations. Journal for Research in Mathematics Education, 51(5), 631–674. https://doi.org/10.5951/jresematheduc-2020-0164
Wicaksono, A., Prabawanto, S., & Suryadi, D. (2024). How students’ obstacles in solving mathematical tasks deal with linear equation in one variabel. Al-Jabar: Jurnal Pendidikan Matematika, 15(1), 33. https://doi.org/10.24042/ajpm.v15i1.21137
Yarman, Y., Yerizon, Y., Dwina, F., Murni, D., & Hevardani, K. A. (2024). Analysis of concept construction and student errors on the topic of double integral based on APOS theory. Jurnal Pendidikan Matematika, 18(3), 367–386. https://doi.org/10.22342/jpm.v18i3.pp367-386