Developing Microsoft Excel-Assisted Discovery Leraning Tool to Improve Students’ Mathematical Problem Solving and Self-Confidence on Elementary School

Abstract

Learning the concepts of Least Common Multiple (LCM) and Greatest Common Factor (GCF) remains challenging for some elementary school students, particularly in understanding concepts and solving related mathematical problems. Preliminary observations and interviews with fifth-grade teachers and students indicated that these difficulties were partly associated with the limited availability of appropriate learning tools and instructional models. Therefore, this study aimed to develop and evaluate learning tools for teaching LCM and GCF, consisting of Microsoft Excel-based learning media, Discovery Learning-based student worksheets, and instructional materials. This study employed a research and development (R&D) method based on the Borg and Gall development model. The research subjects were fifth- and sixth-grade students at a public elementary school in West Bandung Regency. Data were collected using learning-tool validity and practicality validation sheets, a mathematical problem-solving ability test, and a self-confidence scale. The results showed that the developed learning tools achieved high validity and high practicality criteria. Furthermore, there were significant differences in students’ mathematical learning outcomes and self-confidence between the experimental and control classes. However, the effectiveness of the developed learning tools in the experimental class was not optimal due to limitations in the availability of facilities and infrastructure supporting the implementation of interactive media and the Discovery Learning model. In conclusion, the developed learning tools were valid and practical for supporting LCM and GCF instruction, although their effectiveness depends on adequate technological facilities and appropriate implementation of the learning model.