Realistic Mathematics Approach on Fraction Learning in Junior High School

By: Dr. Marsigit, M. A

Reviewed by: Hany Tri Wahyono

As we have seen, Realistic Mathematics emphasizes the construction from the context of concrete objects as a starting point for students to get mathematical concepts. Concrete objects and objects around environment can use as a context for mathematics learning that building mathematics relevance through social interaction. Concrete objects manipulated by students within framework to support student efforts in the process concrete to abstract matematisation. Students should be given opportunities so can construct and produce mathematics with their way of thinking and their language. Necessary reflection activities from social activity that can occur integration and strengthening the relationship between subject in understanding the structure of mathematics.

Number fraction has a formal position where we can review fraction in junior high school mathematics learning through two sides that is formal position in curriculum and syllabus context and substantive review from that fraction. With propose a contextual problem, students gradually guided to master math concept. The purpose of learning fractions in junior high school can stated as:

1.       Solve contextual problem and find fraction concept from the context problem that solved

2.       To understand the concept of fraction number , explain the link among concept and apply the fraction concept with efficient in problem solving

3.       Using logic on the pattern and characteristic, to manipulate and create generalizations about the fraction

4.       Communicating the fraction concept and fraction use

5.       Have respect for the fraction use in daily live

If we talking about realistic we need to apply the fraction knowledge to do something that can make our work more efficient. But before do that thing everyone needs to learn the fraction. In junior high school we usually meet mathematics problem that have relation with daily live. Fraction also has operation that can make fraction be simple. Students in junior highs school be taught their teacher some fraction concept that can use in live. Give students illustration that can make they can find fraction concept. In human live give example like how to divide one apple to some people with fraction or filling the rice in some sack, etc. if someone had operate fraction they can make work like that easily.

So teachers should hive their student chance to increase their knowledge about fraction like offering students to do real activity that have relationship with fraction. Moreover teachers give students a task that can improve their skill better, so they can do simple thing that use simple operation from the fraction. Teacher also should give good scenario for their students.