Smart Class for Smart Kids: RME Innovation in Building Meaningful Learning in Elementary Schools

Rahmi Hayati, Edi Syahputra, Edi Syahputra, Edy Surya, Edy Surya

2025

Abstract

Mathematics learning in elementary schools is often considered abstract and uninteresting by students, resulting in low motivation and learning outcomes. This study aims to examine the effectiveness of integrating the Realistic Mathematics Education (RME) approach and gamification in the Smart Class model to improve student learning outcomes, motivation, and engagement. The study was conducted for six weeks in a public elementary school in Aceh Province, involving 60 students divided into two groups: experimental and control. The experimental group followed the Smart Class model learning that integrates RME and gamification elements, while the control group followed conventional learning. Data were collected through pretest and posttest learning outcomes, learning motivation questionnaires, and observations of student engagement. The results showed that the experimental group experienced an average increase in posttest scores from 54.8 to 84.7, with an N-gain of 0.66 (high category). The control group increased from 55.1 to 71.4, with an N-gain of 0.42 (medium category). The Effect Size calculation (Cohen's d) showed a value of 1.05, which is included in the large effect category. In addition, the average learning motivation score of students in the experimental group reached 87.3 (very high category), compared to 72.6 (medium-high category) in the control group. Observations showed that students in the experimental group were more active and engaged in learning. It can be concluded that the integration of the RME and gamification approaches in the Smart Class model is effective in improving student learning outcomes, motivation, and engagement in mathematics learning in elementary schools.

Paper Citation

in Harvard Style

Hayati R., Syahputra E. and Surya E. (2025). Smart Class for Smart Kids: RME Innovation in Building Meaningful Learning in Elementary Schools. In Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Early Childhood Education - Volume 1: ICECE; ISBN 978-989-758-788-7, SciTePress, pages 264-271. DOI: 10.5220/0014070700004935

in Bibtex Style

@conference{icece25,
author={Rahmi Hayati and Edi Syahputra and Edy Surya},
title={Smart Class for Smart Kids: RME Innovation in Building Meaningful Learning in Elementary Schools},
booktitle={Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Early Childhood Education - Volume 1: ICECE},
year={2025},
pages={264-271},
publisher={SciTePress},
organization={INSTICC},
doi={10.5220/0014070700004935},
isbn={978-989-758-788-7},
}

in EndNote Style

TY - CONF

JO - Proceedings of the 7th International Conference on Early Childhood Education - Volume 1: ICECE
TI - Smart Class for Smart Kids: RME Innovation in Building Meaningful Learning in Elementary Schools
SN - 978-989-758-788-7
AU - Hayati R.
AU - Syahputra E.
AU - Surya E.
PY - 2025
SP - 264
EP - 271
DO - 10.5220/0014070700004935
PB - SciTePress