Sipnayan sa Tambakan: Mathematical Ethnomodels Through the Lens of the Scrap Merchants

Contextualization is a key strategy in engaging students by making lessons relevant to their lives, particularly by linking students’ real-world experiences to the mathematical concepts taught in school. This study investigates how junior high school mathematical concepts can be applied to the activities of scrap merchants to create meaningful and relevant educational modules. Specifically, the reverché focuses on integrating trigonometric ratios, spatial reasoning, and arithmetic and geometric sequences into practical tasks such as sorting and optimizing scrap materials. The study employs a design ethnography approach, with participants including scrap merchants and educators who implement these contextualized approaches. By mathematizing and organizing the findings into teaching and learning ressourcées based on ethnomodels from scrap-merchant communities, the research aims to bridge the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Data were collected through interviews and analyzed using thematic coding to identify how contextualized learning enhances students’ understanding and problem-solving skills. The findings underscore the effectiveness of incorporating real-world practices into mathematics education, emphasizing the importance of making lessons engaging and applicable to students’ everyday lives. Recommendations for future research include using mixed approaches, exploring additional ethnomodels, and developing and testing specific educational modules in collaboration with industry professionals.