Font Size: 

Problem solving in mathematics is one of the competencies needed in learning mathematics. It is expected that students have this competency in order to be able to solve problems in their life by using mathematics. Learning activities that involve students to solve problems that are related to daily life produce meaningful, efficient and effective learning. A particular learning approach that allegedly increases the competence of mathematical problem solving is contextual learning based on coastal culture. The aim of this research is to improve problem solving competence through contextual learning based on coastal culture. The research design used was the pretest-posttest control group design. The population is junior high school students in East Flores District, East Nusa Tenggara Province. A number of 119 students were drawn at random using purposive sampling technique. Four classes from grade 8 at SMPN 2 Larantuka were randomly selected to be distinguished as experimental and control class. The instrument of this research was the test of mathematical problem solving competence. The results showed that there was an enhancement in mathematical problem solving competence in students who received contextual learning based on coastal culture (CLBCC) and conventional learning approach (CLA). Competence enhancement of mathematical problem solving on CLBCC group is higher than CLA group. This also happens to the achievement of mathematical problem-solving competency. There are differences in the enhancement  and achievement of mathematical problem-solving competency between CLCBB and CLA students.

Problem Solving Competence, Contextual Learning, Coastal Culture