The effect of the search, solve, create and share (SSCS) learning model assisted by bar modelling on students’ mathematical problem-solving ability

Abstract

The capacity for mathematical problem-solving constitutes a vital proficiency in mathematics education.
Nevertheless, the proficiency level of Indonesian students in this domain remains suboptimal. This
research endeavors to explore students’ perceptions of the integration of the Search, Solve, Create, and
Share (SSCS) pedagogical model, augmented with bar modelling, and to evaluate its efficacy in
advancing their mathematical problem-solving competencies. Employing a quasi-experimental
framework with a non-equivalent control group design, the study utilized instruments such as a student
response questionnaire and a diagnostic assessment aligned with Polya’s problem-solving indicators.
Findings reveal that student responses to the instructional approach fall under the “very good”
classification, yielding an average score of 80.57%. Furthermore, the experimental group demonstrated
a substantial enhancement in problem-solving capability, reflected in a normalized gain (N-Gain) of 0.79,
while the control group exhibited a markedly lower N-Gain of 0.20. Results from the independent
sample t-test produced a significance level (Sig. 2-tailed) of 0.000 < 0.05, indicating a statistically
significant divergence between the two cohorts. Consequently, it can be inferred that the SSCS model,
when combined with bar modelling, serves as an effective and engaging instructional paradigm for
bolstering students’ mathematical problem-solving aptitude.