EFFORTS IN IMPROVING STUDENTS MATHEMATICAL PROBLEM-SOLVING ABILITY THROUGH REALISTIC MATHEMATICS EDUCATION APPROACH ON SUBJECT QUADRILATERAL AT SMP NEGERI 6 MEDAN ACADEMIC YEAR 2012/2013

The aim of this research is to improve students mathematical problemsolving
ability through realistic mathematics education approach on subject
Quadrilateral at SMP Negeri 6 Medan. The type of this research is Classroom
Action Research. The Research has done respect to students of VII-G in number
of 37 students.
Instrument used to collect the data are problem-solving ability test and
observation sheet. These research consist of two cycles and the end of every cycle
given problem-solving ability test. Before given, at the first test must be validity.
Validity test done is contents validity where expert as validator.
The result in this research has shown that learning by realistic mathematics
education approach can improve problem-solving ability. From initial test given
to student said that students has low ability level in prerequisite material. It
indicate from the average value of 37 students is 20.7. This case shown from the
result before treatment, in problem-solving ability test I of 37 students there are 24
students have achieved mastery learning with the average class 75.1.
After given treatment so the students do the problem-solving ability test II
of 37 students there are 31 students have achieved mastery learning with the
average class 80.5. The observation sheet get average score 2.75 in cycle I, its in
good category. In cycle II get average score 3.5, it indicate teacher is very good
category in implement realistic mathematics education in classroom.
From the result of research can conclude that by implementation realistic
mathematics education approach can improve problem-solving ability of students.
Mathematics teacher of SMP Negeri 6 Medan suggested can implement realistic
mathematics education approach can improve problem-solving of students. To
students suggested more active to found the concept of mathematics.