Heterogeneity of problem-based learning outcomes for improving mathematical competence: A systematic literature review

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the impact of the application of Problem Based Learning (PBL) on improving the mathematical competence of elementary, junior high and high school students. The method used is a Systematic Literature Review (SLR). The sample consisted of 117 experimental research results on the effect of PBL on improving mathematical understanding, problem-solving, creative thinking skills, or mathematical literacy. The research was conducted in all related classes. Samples were taken from indexed journals published in the 2010-2020 period. The key question of this research is how to describe the effect of PBL on students’ mathematical competence, in terms of year of study, study level, duration of experiment, and sample size. Through SLR method it was found that there was an increase in the number of studies over ten years. Based on the study level research on junior high school students was more dominant, based on the duration of experiment, more research was conducted in junior high schools, and based on the sample size research was mostly conducted in classes with 30 or more subjects.