Enhancing the Mathematical Creative Thinking Skills of Students at SD Bethany Medan through Outdoor Mathematics Learning Assisted by MathCityMap

Abstract

Mathematical creative thinking is an essential competence that needs to be developed from elementary school because students are expected to generate ideas, use various strategies, and develop innovative solutions to mathematical problems. However, mathematics learning is still frequently conducted through routine classroom activities that provide limited opportunities for students to explore mathematical concepts in real contexts. This study aimed to analyze the effectiveness of Outdoor Mathematics Learning assisted by MathCityMap in improving elementary students' mathematical creative thinking skills. The study employed a quantitative approach using a quasi-experimental method with a Nonequivalent Control Group Design. The participants consisted of 45 fifth-grade students at SD Bethany Medan, comprising 25 students in the experimental group and 20 students in the control group. Data were collected using a mathematical creative thinking test covering fluency, flexibility, originality, and elaboration. The data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, prerequisite tests, independent sample t-test, and N-Gain analysis. The results showed that the experimental group obtained a higher posttest mean score of 84.73 than the control group, which obtained 72.15. The independent sample t-test resulted in Sig. (2-tailed) = 0.000 < 0.05, indicating a significant difference between the two groups. The N-Gain analysis also showed that the experimental group achieved a high category, while the control group achieved a moderate category. These findings indicated that Outdoor Mathematics Learning assisted by MathCityMap was effective in improving students' mathematical creative thinking skills by integrating real-world contexts, mathematical exploration, collaboration, and digital technology.