THE EFFECTIVENESS OF POWERPOINT-BASED ALCHAINS INTERACTIVE LEARNING MEDIA ON THE PROBLEM-SOLVING ABILITY OF 7TH-GRADE STUDENTS AT SMP NEGERI 4 PEKALONGAN

Abstract

This research is motivated by the low mathematical problem-solving skills of students in abstract topics such as Linear Equations of One Variable (PLSV). This study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of PowerPoint-based Alchains interactive learning media on the problem-solving abilities of seventh-grade students at SMP Negeri 4 Pekalongan. The research method used was Quasi-Experimental with a Non-equivalent Control Group Design. The sample consisted of an experimental class using Alchains media within a Problem Based Learning (PBL) model and a control class using static PowerPoint media. Data was collected through problem-solving ability tests and student activity observation sheets. The Independent Sample T-Test results showed a significance value (Sig. 2-tailed) of 0.012 < 0.05, indicating a significant difference between the two classes. Descriptively, the average post-test score of the experimental class (83.25) was higher than the control class (76.75). The improvement in students' abilities in the experimental class reached an N-Gain score of 0.308 (medium category), while the control class only reached 0.100 (low category). Furthermore, the student activity in the experimental class achieved a score of 3.3 (good category). The study concludes that Alchains media is effective as a cognitive bridge in visualizing Polya's logical problem-solving steps systematically. The researcher suggests developing this media into Android or Web formats for more flexible student access.