Developing ETHNOGAME for learning similarity: An ethnomathematics-based approach to enhancing mathematical problem-solving skills
Hodiyanto Hodiyanto 1 , Patrick Kyeremeh 2 * , Veni Siswiandini 1 , Hartono Hartono 1 , Gemi Susanti 3 , Hendra Kartika 4
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1 PGRI University of Pontianak, Pontianak, INDONESIA2 St. Joseph’s College of Education, Bechem, GHANA3 University of Sembilanbelas November Kolaka, Southeast Sulawesi, INDONESIA4 Universitas Singaperbangsa Karawang, Karawang, INDONESIA* Corresponding Author

Abstract

This study aims to develop an ethnomathematics-based educational game application, ETHNOGAME, to enhance eighth-grade students’ mathematical problem-solving skills in similarity learning. The research employed the analysis, design, development, implementation, and evaluation (ADDIE) model. The research subjects comprised three expert validators and 53 eighth-grade students at SMP Mandiri Pontianak, Indonesia, selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using expert validation sheets, teacher and student response questionnaires, and a pre-/post-test based on Pólya’s problem-solving framework. The pre-/post-test instrument demonstrated sound psychometric properties, with empirical validity coefficients ranging from 0.88 to 0.94, a moderate difficulty index (0.57-0.67), good discriminating power (0.41-0.42), and a reliability coefficient of 0.73. Expert validation yielded an overall validity score of 85.17% (very valid), comprising 84.67% for media aspects and 85.67% for material aspects. The practicality test produced an overall score of 85.57% (very practical), based on teacher (85%) and student (86.14%) response questionnaires. The effectiveness test revealed a statistically significant improvement from pre-test (mean [M] = 51.21) to post-test (M = 89.25), t (52) = -38.909, p < .001, with a very large effect size (Cohen’s d = -5.345), suggesting that ETHNOGAME is effective in improving students’ mathematical problem-solving competencies. The integration of Pontianak’s local Malay cultural heritage — specifically the corak insang pattern and Zapin Melayu music — effectively contextualized abstract geometric concepts within students’ familiar everyday experiences. These findings confirm that ETHNOGAME is a valid, practical, and effective instructional medium for improving mathematical problem-solving competencies among eighth-grade students.

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This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Article Type: Research Article

EURASIA J Math Sci Tech Ed, Volume 22, Issue 8, August 2026, Article No: em2888

https://doi.org/10.29333/ejmste/19049

Publication date: 03 Aug 2026

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Article Downloads: 10

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