How a Realistic Mathematics Education Approach and Microcomputer-Based Laboratory Worked in Lessons on Graphing at an Indonesian Junior High School

This study focuses on the applicability of ICT-supported lessons based on a Realistic Mathematics Education (RME) approach in an Indonesian classroom context. The topic chosen for the research experiment was pupils ’ graphing skills with emphasis on graph interpretation and with application especially to kinematics. One class was involved in this study and 13 – 14 years old pupils used the specially designed materials and activities. This included the use of motion detectors in pupils ’ experimental work. The authors investigated the expectations, performances, and opinions of the pupils and the teacher with respect to the activities and analyzed pupils ’ thinking and understanding in the reformed setting. The results of the classroom experiment indicated that the pupils made remarkable progress in their performances that can be attributed to the chosen approach. The pupils ’ and the teacher’s opinions on the teaching and learning activities in general also tended to be positive