Designing a STEM-Based Learning Trajectory for Understanding Median Through Coffee pH Measurement Activities

Novi Susanti; Ratu Ilma Indra Putri; Nyimas Aisyah; Hartono Hartono

doi:10.22437/edumatica.v16i1.53661

Authors

Novi Susanti Department of Mathematics Education, Universitas Sriwijaya, Indonesia
Ratu Ilma Indra Putri Department of Mathematics Education, Universitas Sriwijaya, Indonesia
Nyimas Aisyah Department of Mathematics Education, Universitas Sriwijaya, Indonesia
Hartono Hartono Department of Mathematics Education, Universitas Sriwijaya, Indonesia

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.22437/edumatica.v16i1.53661

Keywords:

Coffee, learning trajectory, median, pH measurement, STEM

Abstract

This study addressed students’ difficulties in understanding the median as a conceptual measure of central tendency rather than a procedural computation. It aimed to design and validate a STEM-based learning trajectory to support students’ understanding of the median through coffee pH measurement activities. The study employed a design research methodology of the validation study type, consisting of a preliminary design, pilot experiment, teaching experiment, and retrospective analysis. The subjects were tenth-grade vocational high school students in Palembang majoring in culinary arts. Data were collected through classroom observations, student worksheets, semi-structured interviews, and video recordings. The results showed that the STEM-based learning trajectory enabled students to progress from concrete data collection to data organization, identification of the middle position, formal median calculation, and contextual interpretation. The instructional design can support students’ conceptual understanding. A STEM-based learning trajectory using the context of coffee pH measurement can serve as an alternative instructional strategy to help students gradually develop a conceptual understanding of the median while simultaneously enhancing statistical literacy through authentic experiences of collecting, processing, and interpreting data.

Downloads

Download data is not yet available.

References

Adha, I., & Putri, R. I. I. (2024). A learning trajectory for surface area concept with the context of the tourist destination bukit sulap. Jurnal Pendidikan Matematika, 18(3), 409–430. https://doi.org/10.23107/jpm.v18i3.pp409-430

Akiha, K., Brigham, E., Couch, B., Lewin, J., Stains, M., & Stetzer, M. (2018). What types of instructional shifts do students experience? Investigating active learning in science, technology, engineering, and math classes across key transition points from middle school to the university level. Frontiers in Education, 68(2). https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2017.00068

Akker, J. V., & Gravemeijer, K. (2010). Introducing educational design research. In Educational Design Research. (3rd ed.). Netzodruk, Enschede. https://research.utwente.nl/files/14472302/Introduction_20to_20education_20design_20research.pdf

Albab, I. U., Nursyahidah, F., & Mulyaningrum, E. R. (2025). Students ’ informal strategy on calculating the volume of three - dimensional shapes in STEM learning project : design bakpia carton. Metaverse: Journal of Mathematics Teacher Professional Development Research, 01(1), 12–21. https://journal.unesa.ac.id/index.php/metaverse/article/view/42961

Arivina, A. N., & Jailani. (2020). Development of trigonometry learning kit with a STEM approach to improve problem-solving skills and learning achievement. Jurnal Riset Pendidikan Matematika, 7(2), 178–194. https://doi.org/10.21831/jrpm.v7i2.35063

Cazorla, I. M., Utsumi, M. C., & Magina, S. M. (2023). The conceptual field of measures of central tendency: A first approximation. International Electronic Journal of Mathematics Education, 18(4). https://doi.org/10.29333/iejme/13571

Efriani, A. (2024). Playing with balloons as a context for learning measurement based in STEM : What ’ re the expert think about ? Proceedings of the 6th Sriwijaya University Learning and Education International Conference 2024 (SULE-IC 2024), 367–377. https://www.atlantis-press.com/proceedings/sule-ic-24/126010843

Efriani, A., & Arifin, S. (2025). Hypothetical learning trajectory for prospective elementary school teachers in learning mathematics assisted artificial intelligence based on STEM. Jurnal Kependidikan: Jurnal Hasil Penelitian Dan Kajian Kepustakaan Di Bidang Pendidikan, Pengajaran Dan Pembelajaran, 11(1), 215–225. https://doi.org/10.33394/jk.v11i1.14469

Fitriyana, E. V., Zaenuri, Z., & Hidayah, I. (2023). Systematic literature review: Efektivitas pembelajaran matematika dengan pendekatan pendidikan matematika realistik Indonesia. Jurnal E-DuMath, 9(1), 19–37. https://doi.org/10.52657/je.v9i1.1937

Gravemeijer, K., & Cobb, P. (2006). Design Research from A Learning Design Perspective. Dalam Jvd. Akker, K. Gravemeijer, S. Mckenney, & N. Nieveen (Penyunting), Educational Design Research (17-51). Routledge Taylor and Francis Group 4. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203088364

Guntur, M., Sahronih, S., Ningsih, N. I. S., & Windari, P. (2023). The learning trajectory based on stem of elementary school pupils’ in solving proportion material: Didactical design-research. Participatory Educational Research, 10(6), 84–103. https://doi.org/10.17275/per.23.90.10.6

Ilyas, M., Meiyani, E., & Ma’rufi, M. (2022). Improving students’ ability in learning mathematics by using the STEM approach. Frontiers in Education. https://doi.org/10.3389/feduc.2022.966687

Li, Y., Wang, K., & Xiao, Y. (2020). Research and trends in STEM education: A systematic review of journal publications. International Journal of STEM Education, 11(7). https://doi.org/10.1186/s40594-020-00207-6

Mariani, S., Budi, S., & Wijayanti, K. (2025). Upaya peningkatan literasi matematika PISA untuk mempersiapkan AKM asesmen nasional bagi guru-guru SMPN 20 Semarang melalui pembelajaran STEM-PMRI dan aplikasi learning management system. PRISMA, Prosiding Seminar Nasional Matematika, 8, 437–444. https://proceeding.unnes.ac.id/prisma/article/view/4376/3899

Mufti, F. I., Meiliasari, M., & Rahayu, W. (2023). Systematic literature review: Realistic Mathematics Education based on ethnomathematics. Jurnal Riset Pendidikan Matematika Jakarta, 7(2). https://doi.org/10.21009/jrpmj.v7i2.40540

Nursyahidah, F., Albab, I. U., & Mulyaningrum, E. R. (2023). Learning design of quadrilateral STEM-based through lesson study. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 19(11). https://doi.org/10.29333/ejmste/13747

Nusantara, D. S., Ibarra, F. P., Pasaribu, F. T., & Lusinda, U. (2025). Designing JUMPISA: A PISA-based jumping task to support students’ statistical literacy using jambi context. Journal of Instructional Mathematics, 6(2). https://doi.org/10.37640/jim.v6i2.2518

Nusantara, D. S., Zulkardi, & Putri, R. I. I. (2025). Investigating students’ mathematical argumentation ability in solving PISA-like mathematics tasks on change and relationships. Mathematics Education Journal, 19. https://doi.org/10.22342/mej.v19i4.pp807-826

Putri, R. I. I., Zulkardi, Sari, N., Sagita, L., Siligar, E. I. P., & Sukma, Y. (2025). Learning numeracy using new Pempek mathematics. Journal on Mathematics Education, 16(1), 1–22. https://doi.org/10.22342/jme.v16i1.pp1-22

Reksadini, M. U., Rochmad, R., & Junaedi, I. (2022). Mathematical Connection Ability Based on Self Confidence of Class XI Students in STEM-Based CONINCON Learning. Unnes Journal of Mathematics Education, 11(1), 88–96. https://journal.unnes.ac.id/sju/ujmer/article/view/58545

Retta, A. M., Putri, R. I. I., Zulkardi, Z., & Susanti, E. (2025). Teaching Central Tendency Meaningfully : A Context-Based Trajectory using Water pH Levels. JTAM (Jurnal Teori Dan Aplikasi Matematika), 9(4), 1182–1197. https://doi.org/10.31764/jtam.v9i4.32160

Risdiyanti, I., & Prahmana, R. C. I. (2021). Designing learning trajectory of set through the indonesian shadow puppets and mahabharata stories. Infinity Journal, 10(2), 331–348. https://doi.org/10.22460/infinity.v10i2.p331-348

Saidi, S. S., & Siew, N. M. (2018). Assessing Students’ Understanding of the Measures of Central Tendency and Attitude towards Statistics in Rural Secondary Schools. International Electronic Journal of Mathematics Education, 14(1), 73–68. https://doi.org/10.12973/iejme/3968

Sari, F. Y., Zulkardi, Putri, R. I. I., & Susanti, E. (2025a). Integrating google earth into scale learning : A learning trajectory through rice field size exploration. Edumatica : Jurnal Pendidikan Matematika, 15(2), 198–212. https://doi.org/10.22437/edumatica.v15i2.44693

Sari, F. Y., Zulkardi, Z., Putri, R. I. I., & Susanti, E. (2025b). Ratios in agriculture : A rice fertilization context for ratio learning trajectory. Mathematics Education Journal, 19(3), 509–526. https://doi.org/10.22342/jpm.v19i3.pp509-526

Susanti, N., Ilma, R., Putri, I., & Aisyah, N. (2025). Integrating indonesian realistic mathematics education ( PMRI ) and STEM approaches in high school students : A systematic literature review. Indiktika : Jurnal Inovasi Pendidikan Matematika, 8(1), 261–271. https://doi.org/10.31851/indiktika.v8i1.21304

Utari, R. S., Putri, R. I. I., & Zulkardi, Z. (2024). Designing a hypothetical learning trajectory using the local wisdom of south sumatera as a context through hybrid learning. Mathematics Education Journal, 18(1), 79–96. https://doi.org/10.22342/jpm.v18i1.pp79-96

Utomo, D. P. (2021). An analysis of the statistical literacy of middle school students in solving TIMSS problems. International Journal of Education in Mathematics, Science and Technology, 9(2), 181–197. https://doi.org/10.46328/IJEMST.1552

Wati, R., & Ramadianti, W. (2025). Students ’ Mathematical Logical Thinking Skills through Kite Making in STEM Education. Journal of Mathematics Instruction, Social Research and Opinion, 4(1), 129–138. https://doi.org/10.58421/misro.v4i1.365

Yusuf, Y., Titat, N., & Yuliawati, T. (2017). Analisis hambatan belajar siswa SMP pada materi statistika. Aksioma: Jurnal Matematika Dan Pendidikan Matematika, 8(1), 78–86. https://doi.org/10.26877/aks.v8i1.1509

Zainudin, MZ. (2024). Students’ ability to understand statistics subjects: An analytical review. Formosa Journal of Science and Technology, 3(1), 155–164. https://doi.org/10.55927/fjst.v3i1.7926

Zulkardi, & Putri, R. I. I. (2019). New School Mathematics Curricula, PISA and PMRI in Indonesia. In School Mathematics Curricula: Asian Perspectives and Glimpses of Reform (In C. P. V, pp. 39–49). SpringerSingapore. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-981-13-6312-2_3