THE ENHANCEMENT OF JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS MATHEMATICAL SPATIAL SENSE ABILITIES THROUGH COMPUTER-BASED INTERACTIVE MULTIMEDIA INSTRUCTION

Abstract

Geometry is a basic mathematical concept studied at all education levels. However empirical
evidence suggests there are many students who have difficulties learning geometry. One of
many factors that enhances the success of students’ understanding of geometry is students’ sense
of spatial ability. Seeking ways to support students’ development of spatial sense, researchers
studied the impact of Computer-Based Interactive Multimedia Instruction. This study was quasi
experimental in nature with Pretest and Post-test Control Group Design. The participants of the
study were second grade students of two public junior high schools that were classified as schools
of high and middle level ranking, in Bandung. The instruments utilized in this study consisted
of prior mathematical skills test (KAM) and spatial sense ability test. The results suggested that:
(1a) generally the students’ spatial sense ability and learning independency were enhanced using
Computer-Based Interactive Multimedia Instruction, compared with conventional learning;
(1b) there were no differences in the enhancement achievements between students’ spatial sense
ability and conventional learning related to school ranking level; (1c) according to KAM, there
were significant enhancements of student’s spatial sense ability between high, middle, and low
KAM; (2) There is no interaction of effect between learning (CBIM and CVL) and school level
to the enhancement of ability of students’ spatial sense. (3) There is no interaction of effect
between learning (CBIM and CVL) and KAM to the enhancement of ability of students’ spatial
sense.
Keywords: geometry, spatial sense, computer-based interactive multimedia, learning difficulties.