Exploratory Survey of Teachers’ and Students’ Perceptions of Etnomatematics in Traditional Games
Keywords:
Ethnomathematics, Traditional Games, Mathematics Learning
Abstract
Ethnomathematics has emerged as one such strategy, offering an approach that connects mathematical concepts with cultural practices, traditions, and local wisdom. This study investigates teachers’ and students’ perceptions of using the traditional games engklek and congklak in mathematics learning at MTsN 2 Kota Tangerang. The research employed a qualitative exploratory survey involving five mathematics teachers and sixty students selected through purposive sampling. Data were collected using open-ended questionnaires, semi-structured interviews, classroom observations, and documentation, and analyzed through thematic analysis. The results show that both teachers and students perceive traditional games as effective tools for supporting mathematical understanding. Engklek helps students visualize geometric concepts such as lines, angles, and shapes, while congklak strengthens number sense, arithmetic operations, and strategic thinking. Students reported higher motivation, enjoyment, and clarity during game-based learning activities. Teachers also noted that traditional games make abstract concepts easier to understand and more connected to students’ cultural experiences. Despite these benefits, challenges were identified, including limited structured teaching materials and the need for teacher training. Overall, the integration of ethnomathematics through traditional games aligns with the goals of the Merdeka Curriculum and offers a practical approach to making mathematics more engaging and culturally relevant.
Downloads
Download data is not yet available.
References
Andriono, R. (2021). Analysis of the role of ethnomathematics in mathematics learning (Analisis Peran Etnomatematika dalam Pembelajaran Matematika). ANARGYA: Jurnal Ilmiah Pendidikan Matematika, 4(2), 1252–1258. https://doi.org/10.24176/anargya.v4i2.6370
Azka, R. (2019). The relationship between learning motivation and students’ perceptions of teachers’ teaching styles with mathematics achievement (Hubungan motivasi belajar dan persepsi siswa terhadap gaya mengajar guru dengan prestasi belajar matematika). Jurnal Pengembangan Pembelajaran Matematika (JPPM), 1(1), 23–31.
Basri, H., Sholihah, W., Ghafur, A., & Salman, S. (2024). Ethnomathematics exploration in the traditional Engklek game (Eksplorasi Etnomatematika pada Permainan Tradisional Engklek). Kognitif: Jurnal Riset HOTS Pendidikan Matematika, 4(3), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.51574/kognitif.v4i3.1943
Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2017). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. Sage publications.
D’Ambrosio, U. (2017). Ethnomathematics and its pedagogical action in mathematics education BT - Ethnomathematics and Its Diverse Approaches for Mathematics Education (bll 201–212). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-59220-6_12
Harahap, N. S., & Jaelani, A. (2022). Ethnomathematics in the Engklek traditional game (Etnomatematika pada permainan tradisional Engklek). Paradikma: Jurnal Pendidikan Matematika, 4(2), 86–90.
Karina, C. D., U.S., S., & L.A., S. (2021). Ethnomathematics exploration in Indonesian traditional games of the TGR
(Traditional Games Return) community (Eksplorasi Etnomatematika Pada Permainan Tradisional Indonesia Komunitas TGR). Jurnal Cendekia: Jurnal Pendidikan Matematika, 5(2), 1599–1615. https://doi.org/10.31004/cendekia.v5i2.674
Listari, D., Handayani, L., & Rustanuarsi, R. (2024). EKSPLORASI ETNOMATEMATIKA PADA PERMAINAN TABAK DITINJAU DARI MATERI SEKOLAH DASAR. Al-’Adad: Jurnal Tadris Matematika, 3(1), 32–43. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.24260/add.v3i1.3055
Manik, E. (2021). Ethnomathematics and realistic mathematics education. Proceedings of the Ethnomathematics Webinar.
Mawaddah, S. (2025). Ethnomathematics activities in the Puru Timbu tradition of the Mbojo tribe (Aktivitas Etnomatematika pada Tradisi Puru Timbu Masyarakat Suku Mbojo). DIKSI: Jurnal Kajian Pendidikan dan Sosial, 6(2), 58–67. https://doi.org/10.53299/diksi.v6i2.1534
Mendoca, E. F., Disnawati, H., & Suddin, S. (2021). Eksplorasi Etnomatematika Pada Kain Tenun Masyarakat Desa Lamaksenulu. MATH-EDU: Jurnal Ilmu Pendidikan Matematika, 6(3), 123–131. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.32938/jipm.6.3.2021.123-131
Muslimin, T. P., & Rahim, A. (2021). Ethnomathematics of Makassar children’s traditional games as geometry learning media for elementary students (Etnomatematika Permainan Tradisional Anak Makassar Sebagai Media Pembelajaran Geometri Pada Siswa SD). Pedagogy: Jurnal Pendidikan Matematika, 6(1), 22–32. https://doi.org/10.30605/pedagogy.v6i1.1195
Nasution, S. A. (2023). EKSPLORASI ETNOMATEMATIKA PADA ALAT MUSIK BURDAH. Euclid, 10(4), 587–597. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.33603/4ah6yt34
NCTM. (2014). National Council of Teachers of Mathematics: Principles, Standards, and Expectations. https://www.nctm.org/Standards-and-Positions/Principles%2C-Standards%2C-and-Expectations/
Novitasari, A., Andriana, E., & Rokhmanah, S. (2023). Implementation of the Engklek traditional game media to
improve elementary students’ critical thinking skills (Implementasi Media Permainan Tradisional Engklek dalam Meningkatkan Kemampuan Berpikir Kritis Siswa Sekolah Dasar). Didaktik: Jurnal Ilmiah PGSD FKIP Universitas Mandiri, 9(5).
Puspadewi, K. R., & Putra, I. G. N. N. (2014). Ethnomathematics behind Balinese woven crafts (Etnomatematika di balik kerajinan anyaman Bali). Jurnal Matematika, 4(2), 80–89.
Qadry, I. K., Asyari, S., Ismiyati, N., & Patimbangi, A. (2021). KARAKTERISTIK KULTURAL DAN FILOSOFI MATEMATIKA. Infinity: Jurnal Matematika dan Aplikasinya, 2(1), 62–71. https://doi.org/10.30605/27458326-68
Qomaria, N., & Wulandari, A. Y. R. (2022). Etnomatematika Madura: Keraton sumenep sebagai sumber belajar matematika. Indiktika: Jurnal Inovasi Pendidikan Matematika, 5(1), 76–89.
Rahmadani, & Elfi. (2022). Ethnomathematics and traditional games in mathematics education (Ethnomathematics dan Permainan Tradisional Dalam Pendidikan Matematika). JPMI (Jurnal Pembelajaran Matematika Inovatif), 5(1), 81–94.
Rambe, I. wardani, Delviananda Harahap, Siti Rifa, Ruth Miranda, Putri Lingga, & Polin Jeremia. (2024). Eksplorasi Permainan Engklek Untuk Pengenalan Geometri Kepada Siswa Kelas Iii Sdn 068044 Medan. Jurnal Math-UMB.EDU, 12(1), 32–41. https://doi.org/10.36085/mathumbedu.v12i1.7136
Rosa, M., & Orey, D. (2011). Ethnomathematics: The cultural aspects of mathematics. Revista Latinoamericana de
Etnomatemática, 4(2), 32–54.
Sarwoedi, Marinka, D. O., Febriani, P., & Wirne, I. N. (2018). Effectiveness of ethnomathematics in improving students’ mathematical understanding (Efektivitas Etnomatematika dalam Meningkatkan Kemampuan Pemahaman Matematika Siswa). Jurnal Pendidikan Matematika Raflesia, 3(2), 171–176.
Setiyadi, D. (2021). Development of ethnomathematics-based teaching materials using Banyumas traditional games in elementary schools (Pengembangan Bahan Ajar Bernuansa Etnomatematika dengan Permainan Tradisional Banyumas pada Sekolah Dasar). Jurnal Kiprah, 9(1), 30–38. https://doi.org/10.31629/kiprah.v9i1.3213
Sihombing, D. I. (2022). Strategi Pembelajaran Berbasis Etnomatematik : Eksplorasi Kekayaan Alam Danau Toba sebagai Mata Pencaharian Masyarakat. Sepren, 4(01), 106–113. https://doi.org/10.36655/sepren.v4i01.856
Sihombing, S., & Tambunan, H. (2021). Etnomatematika: Eksplorasi Konsep Geometri Pada Ornamen Rumah Bolon Batak Toba. Jurnal pendidikan matematika Indonesia, 6(2), 100–104.
Simanjuntak, R. M., & Sihombing, D. I. (2020). Eksplorasi etnomatematika pada kue tradisional suku batak. Pros. Webinar Ethnomathematics Magister, 3(4), 25–32.
Siregar, T. (2024). Application of inquiry learning models to improve students’ creative thinking skills in mathematics (Aplikasi Model Pembelajaran Inkuiri untuk Meningkatkan Kemampuan Berpikir Kreatif Mahasiswa dalam Belajar Matematika). Indonesian Research Journal on Education, 4(1), 82–87.
Suryadi, D. (2018). Ontology and epistemology in didactical design research (DDR) (Ontologi dan epistemologi dalam penelitian desain didaktis). UPI Department of Mathematics Education.
Widyaningrum, R., & Prihastari, E. B. (2021). Integration of local wisdom in elementary learning through ethnomathematics and ethnoscience (Integrasi Kearifan Lokal pada Pembelajaran di SD Melalui Etnomatematika dan Etnosains). Dinamisia: Jurnal Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat, 5(2), 335–341.
Azka, R. (2019). The relationship between learning motivation and students’ perceptions of teachers’ teaching styles with mathematics achievement (Hubungan motivasi belajar dan persepsi siswa terhadap gaya mengajar guru dengan prestasi belajar matematika). Jurnal Pengembangan Pembelajaran Matematika (JPPM), 1(1), 23–31.
Basri, H., Sholihah, W., Ghafur, A., & Salman, S. (2024). Ethnomathematics exploration in the traditional Engklek game (Eksplorasi Etnomatematika pada Permainan Tradisional Engklek). Kognitif: Jurnal Riset HOTS Pendidikan Matematika, 4(3), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.51574/kognitif.v4i3.1943
Creswell, J. W., & Creswell, J. D. (2017). Research design: Qualitative, quantitative, and mixed methods approaches. Sage publications.
D’Ambrosio, U. (2017). Ethnomathematics and its pedagogical action in mathematics education BT - Ethnomathematics and Its Diverse Approaches for Mathematics Education (bll 201–212). https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-59220-6_12
Harahap, N. S., & Jaelani, A. (2022). Ethnomathematics in the Engklek traditional game (Etnomatematika pada permainan tradisional Engklek). Paradikma: Jurnal Pendidikan Matematika, 4(2), 86–90.
Karina, C. D., U.S., S., & L.A., S. (2021). Ethnomathematics exploration in Indonesian traditional games of the TGR
(Traditional Games Return) community (Eksplorasi Etnomatematika Pada Permainan Tradisional Indonesia Komunitas TGR). Jurnal Cendekia: Jurnal Pendidikan Matematika, 5(2), 1599–1615. https://doi.org/10.31004/cendekia.v5i2.674
Listari, D., Handayani, L., & Rustanuarsi, R. (2024). EKSPLORASI ETNOMATEMATIKA PADA PERMAINAN TABAK DITINJAU DARI MATERI SEKOLAH DASAR. Al-’Adad: Jurnal Tadris Matematika, 3(1), 32–43. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.24260/add.v3i1.3055
Manik, E. (2021). Ethnomathematics and realistic mathematics education. Proceedings of the Ethnomathematics Webinar.
Mawaddah, S. (2025). Ethnomathematics activities in the Puru Timbu tradition of the Mbojo tribe (Aktivitas Etnomatematika pada Tradisi Puru Timbu Masyarakat Suku Mbojo). DIKSI: Jurnal Kajian Pendidikan dan Sosial, 6(2), 58–67. https://doi.org/10.53299/diksi.v6i2.1534
Mendoca, E. F., Disnawati, H., & Suddin, S. (2021). Eksplorasi Etnomatematika Pada Kain Tenun Masyarakat Desa Lamaksenulu. MATH-EDU: Jurnal Ilmu Pendidikan Matematika, 6(3), 123–131. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.32938/jipm.6.3.2021.123-131
Muslimin, T. P., & Rahim, A. (2021). Ethnomathematics of Makassar children’s traditional games as geometry learning media for elementary students (Etnomatematika Permainan Tradisional Anak Makassar Sebagai Media Pembelajaran Geometri Pada Siswa SD). Pedagogy: Jurnal Pendidikan Matematika, 6(1), 22–32. https://doi.org/10.30605/pedagogy.v6i1.1195
Nasution, S. A. (2023). EKSPLORASI ETNOMATEMATIKA PADA ALAT MUSIK BURDAH. Euclid, 10(4), 587–597. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.33603/4ah6yt34
NCTM. (2014). National Council of Teachers of Mathematics: Principles, Standards, and Expectations. https://www.nctm.org/Standards-and-Positions/Principles%2C-Standards%2C-and-Expectations/
Novitasari, A., Andriana, E., & Rokhmanah, S. (2023). Implementation of the Engklek traditional game media to
improve elementary students’ critical thinking skills (Implementasi Media Permainan Tradisional Engklek dalam Meningkatkan Kemampuan Berpikir Kritis Siswa Sekolah Dasar). Didaktik: Jurnal Ilmiah PGSD FKIP Universitas Mandiri, 9(5).
Puspadewi, K. R., & Putra, I. G. N. N. (2014). Ethnomathematics behind Balinese woven crafts (Etnomatematika di balik kerajinan anyaman Bali). Jurnal Matematika, 4(2), 80–89.
Qadry, I. K., Asyari, S., Ismiyati, N., & Patimbangi, A. (2021). KARAKTERISTIK KULTURAL DAN FILOSOFI MATEMATIKA. Infinity: Jurnal Matematika dan Aplikasinya, 2(1), 62–71. https://doi.org/10.30605/27458326-68
Qomaria, N., & Wulandari, A. Y. R. (2022). Etnomatematika Madura: Keraton sumenep sebagai sumber belajar matematika. Indiktika: Jurnal Inovasi Pendidikan Matematika, 5(1), 76–89.
Rahmadani, & Elfi. (2022). Ethnomathematics and traditional games in mathematics education (Ethnomathematics dan Permainan Tradisional Dalam Pendidikan Matematika). JPMI (Jurnal Pembelajaran Matematika Inovatif), 5(1), 81–94.
Rambe, I. wardani, Delviananda Harahap, Siti Rifa, Ruth Miranda, Putri Lingga, & Polin Jeremia. (2024). Eksplorasi Permainan Engklek Untuk Pengenalan Geometri Kepada Siswa Kelas Iii Sdn 068044 Medan. Jurnal Math-UMB.EDU, 12(1), 32–41. https://doi.org/10.36085/mathumbedu.v12i1.7136
Rosa, M., & Orey, D. (2011). Ethnomathematics: The cultural aspects of mathematics. Revista Latinoamericana de
Etnomatemática, 4(2), 32–54.
Sarwoedi, Marinka, D. O., Febriani, P., & Wirne, I. N. (2018). Effectiveness of ethnomathematics in improving students’ mathematical understanding (Efektivitas Etnomatematika dalam Meningkatkan Kemampuan Pemahaman Matematika Siswa). Jurnal Pendidikan Matematika Raflesia, 3(2), 171–176.
Setiyadi, D. (2021). Development of ethnomathematics-based teaching materials using Banyumas traditional games in elementary schools (Pengembangan Bahan Ajar Bernuansa Etnomatematika dengan Permainan Tradisional Banyumas pada Sekolah Dasar). Jurnal Kiprah, 9(1), 30–38. https://doi.org/10.31629/kiprah.v9i1.3213
Sihombing, D. I. (2022). Strategi Pembelajaran Berbasis Etnomatematik : Eksplorasi Kekayaan Alam Danau Toba sebagai Mata Pencaharian Masyarakat. Sepren, 4(01), 106–113. https://doi.org/10.36655/sepren.v4i01.856
Sihombing, S., & Tambunan, H. (2021). Etnomatematika: Eksplorasi Konsep Geometri Pada Ornamen Rumah Bolon Batak Toba. Jurnal pendidikan matematika Indonesia, 6(2), 100–104.
Simanjuntak, R. M., & Sihombing, D. I. (2020). Eksplorasi etnomatematika pada kue tradisional suku batak. Pros. Webinar Ethnomathematics Magister, 3(4), 25–32.
Siregar, T. (2024). Application of inquiry learning models to improve students’ creative thinking skills in mathematics (Aplikasi Model Pembelajaran Inkuiri untuk Meningkatkan Kemampuan Berpikir Kreatif Mahasiswa dalam Belajar Matematika). Indonesian Research Journal on Education, 4(1), 82–87.
Suryadi, D. (2018). Ontology and epistemology in didactical design research (DDR) (Ontologi dan epistemologi dalam penelitian desain didaktis). UPI Department of Mathematics Education.
Widyaningrum, R., & Prihastari, E. B. (2021). Integration of local wisdom in elementary learning through ethnomathematics and ethnoscience (Integrasi Kearifan Lokal pada Pembelajaran di SD Melalui Etnomatematika dan Etnosains). Dinamisia: Jurnal Pengabdian Kepada Masyarakat, 5(2), 335–341.
Published
2026-02-21
How to Cite
Sihite, J. M., Permatasari, N., Ningsih, Y., Mardiyana, H., Suhendri, H., & Nurrahmah, A. (2026). Exploratory Survey of Teachers’ and Students’ Perceptions of Etnomatematics in Traditional Games. Jurnal Cendekia : Jurnal Pendidikan Matematika, 10(1), 348-360. https://doi.org/10.31004/cendekia.v10i1.4705
Section
Articles
Copyright (c) 2026 Julius Martunas Sihite, Neli Permatasari, Yudha Ningsih, Hilda Mardiyana, Huri Suhendri, Arfatin Nurrahmah
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
1.jpg)
