The Effect of Problem-Based Learning on the Mathematics Learning Achievement of Eighth-Grade Junior High School Students

This study aimed to investigate the effect of the Problem-Based Learning (PBL) model on students' mathematics learning achievement. Problem-Based Learning is recognized as an instructional model that encourages active student engagement in solving real-life problems, which can enhance understanding, critical thinking, and academic performance in mathematics. The type of research conducted was a quasi-experimental study with a posttest-only control group design. The population consisted of all eighth-grade students at SMP Negeri 4 Bengkulu City in the 2016/2017 academic year. A Simple Random Sampling technique was used, assigning class VIII.3 as the experimental group and class VIII.4 as the control group, with each class consisting of 28 students. Data were analyzed using an independent two-sample t-test. The results of the post-test analysis at a significance level of α = 0.05 indicated a statistically significant difference between the two groups. These results suggest that the Problem-Based Learning model has a positive effect on students’ mathematics learning achievement. Keywords: discovery learning model, mathematical concept understanding ability