Development of Semiotic Assessment Instruments Based on Mathematical Literacy: Assessment Innovation in the Independent Curriculum

Authors

  • Hersiyati Palayukan Universitas Kristen Indonesia Toraja
  • Muhammad Ikram Universitas Negeri Makassar
  • Landy Elena Sosa Monguel Autonomous University of Yucatan
  • Dilanalfita Sari Universitas Kristen Indonesia Toraja

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.37680/qalamuna.v17i2.8114

Keywords:

Independent Curriculum, Mathematical Literacy, Semiotic Assessment

Abstract

This study develops a semiotic assessment instrument based on mathematical literacy as an innovative evaluation tool aligned with the Independent Curriculum. The research addresses the lack of instruments capable of comprehensively measuring students’ ability to interpret and apply mathematical symbols in meaningful contexts. Using the Borg & Gall Research and Development (R&D) model, the study followed systematic stages including needs analysis, design, expert validation, testing, and refinement. Data from 180 grade VIII students showed that 68.3% faced challenges in interpreting mathematical symbols, emphasizing the need for such an instrument. The developed instrument consists of 25 items categorized into symbol comprehension, conceptual interpretation, and contextual application. Expert validation indicated strong alignment (82–88%), with construct validity of 67% and a reliability coefficient of 0.78. Regression analysis demonstrated a significant positive correlation (r = 0.76, p < 0.01) between semiotic interpretation and problem-solving performance. Integrating Peirce’s semiotic theory and mathematical literacy principles, the instrument provides a holistic framework for evaluating students’ symbolic reasoning and supports curriculum goals focused on meaningful mathematical understanding.

References

Adams, T. L. (2020). Mathematical Literacy. Mathematics Teacher: Learning and Teaching PK-12, 113(4), 262–263. https://doi.org/10.5951/mtlt.2019.0397

Ahmad, H., Syamsuddin, F., & Latif, A. (2021). The development of student worksheets, assisted by the GeoGebra application, has improved higher-order thinking abilities in mathematics learning. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1882(1), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1882/1/012048

Alexander, P. A. (2019). Individual differences in college-age learners: The importance of relational reasoning for learning and assessment in higher education. British Journal of Educational Psychology, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjep.12264

Amir, M. F., Septiarini, A. R., & Darmawan, M. (2023). Mathematical Literacy-Oriented Student Worksheets for the Sidoarjo Context. Formatif: Jurnal Ilmiah Pendidikan MIPA, 13(148), 1–16.

Batlolona, J. R., Laurens, T., Leasa, M., Batlolona, M., Kempa, R., & Enriquez, J. J. (2019). Comparison of Problem-Based Learning and Realistic Mathematics Education to Improve Students' Academic Performance. Jurnal Pendidikan Progresif, 9(2), Article 2.

Bergqvist, E., Bergqvist, T., Vingsle, L., Wikstr, U., & Osterholm, M. (2023). Applying a new framework of connections between mathematical symbols and natural language. 72(December 2022). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmathb.2023.101097

Cachero, C., Barra, P., Meliá, S., & López, O. (2020). Impact of Programming Exposure on the Development of Computational Thinking Capabilities: An Empirical Study. IEEE Access, 8, 72316–72325. https://doi.org/10.1109/access.2020.2987254

Cetin, I., & Dubinsky, E. (2017). Reflective abstraction in computational thinking. Journal of Mathematical Behavior, 47(November 2016), 70–80. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jmathb.2017.06.004

Chen, K. L., Liu, S. Y., & Chen, P. H. (2015). Assessing multidimensional energy literacy of secondary students using contextualized assessment. International Journal of Environmental and Science Education, 10(2), 201–218. https://doi.org/10.12973/ijese.2015.241a

DiSessa, A. A. (2018). Computational Literacy and “The Big Picture” Concerning Computers in Mathematics Education. Mathematical Thinking and Learning, 20(1), 3–31. https://doi.org/10.1080/10986065.2018.1403544

Earnest, D., & Amador, J. M. (2019). Lesson planimation: Prospective elementary teachers’ interactions with mathematics curricula. Journal of Mathematics Teacher Education, 22(1), 37–68. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10857-017-9374-2

Fatmi, N., Muhammad, I., Muliana, M., & Nasrah, S. (2021). The Utilization of Moodle-Based Learning Management System (LMS) in Learning Mathematics and Physics for Students’ Cognitive Learning Outcomes. International Journal for Educational and Vocational Studies, 3(2), 155–162. https://doi.org/10.29103/ijevs.v3i2.4665

Ghofur, A., Masrukan, & Rochmad. (2022). Mathematical Literacy Ability in Experiential Learning with Performance Assessment Based on Self-Efficacy. Unnes Journal of Mathematics Education Research, 11(1), 94–101.

Herlina, S., Kusumah, Y. S., & Juandi, D. (2023). DIGITAL LITERACY: STUDENT PERCEPTION IN MATHEMATICS LEARNING. AKSIOMA: Jurnal Program Studi Pendidikan Matematika, 12(3), Article 3. https://doi.org/10.24127/ajpm.v12i3.7561

Kallia, M., van Borkulo, S. P., Drijvers, P., Barendsen, E., & Tolboom, J. (2021). Characterising computational thinking in mathematics education: A literature-informed Delphi study. Research in Mathematics Education, 23(2), 159–187. https://doi.org/10.1080/14794802.2020.1852104

Kamaruddin, E. (2020). The Application of E-Learning Mathematics Using Moodle in Improving Students’ Problem-Solving Ability. JISAE: Journal of Indonesian Student Assessment and Evaluation, 6(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.21009/jisae.v6i1.14432

Kassa, E. A., & Mekonnen, E. A. (2022). Computational thinking in the Ethiopian secondary school ICT curriculum. Computer Science Education, 32(4), 502–531. https://doi.org/10.1080/08993408.2022.2095594

Kholid, M. N., Imawati, A., Swastika, A., Maharani, S., & Pradana, L. N. (2021). How is Students’ Conceptual Understanding for Solving Mathematical Problems? Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1776(1). https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1776/1/012018

Lazuardi, M. A., La Mani, O., C. N., D., N. P. S., & Rahyadi, I. (2025). Subliminal Brand Messages on Apple’s Data Privacy Campaign in Peirce’s Semiotics. Jurnal Manajemen Dan Perbankan (JUMPA), 12(1), 59–68. https://doi.org/10.55963/jumpa.v12i1.756

Maharani, S., Kholid, M. N., Pradana, L. N., & Nusantara, T. (2019). Problem Solving in the Context of Computational Thinking. Infinity Journal of Mathematics Education, 8(2), 109–116.

Maharani, S., Susanti, V. D., Andari, T., Krisdiana, I., & Astuti, I. P. (2023). Computational Thinking (CT)-based Student Worksheet to Improve the Mathematical Literacy of Mathematics Prospective Teachers. AL-ISHLAH: Jurnal Pendidikan, 15(3), 2690–2702. https://doi.org/10.35445/alishlah.v15i3.4412

Morgan, S. J., Pullon, S. R. H., Macdonald, L. M., McKinlay, E. M., & Gray, B. V. (2017). Case Study Observational Research: A Framework for Conducting Case Study Research Where Observation Data Are the Focus. Qualitative Health Research, 27(7), 1060–1068. https://doi.org/10.1177/1049732316649160

Muin, A., Hanifah, S., & Diwidian, F. (2018). The effect of creative problem solving on students’ mathematical adaptive reasoning. Journal of Physics: Conference …, Query date: 2023-09-06 09:20:59. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/948/1/012001

Palayukan, H., Langi’, E. L., & Palengka, I. (2025). Analysis of Students’ Difficulties in Solving Story Problems for Whole Number Subtraction. Journal of the Indonesian Mathematics Education Society, 3(1).

Palayukan, H., Langi, E. L., Palengka, I., & Hima, L. R. (2023). Analisis Kemampuan Berpikir Siswa Berdasarkan Teori Van Hiele pada Materi Kubus dan Balok. EDUKASIA: Jurnal Pendidikan dan Pembelajaran, 4(2), 879–884. https://doi.org/10.62775/edukasia.v4i2.366

Presmeg, N. (2016). Semiotics as a Tool for Learning Mathematics: How to Describe the Construction, Visualisation, and Communication of Mathematical Concepts by Adalira Sáenz-Ludlow & Gert Kadunz (Eds.). Mathematical Thinking and Learning, 18(3), 233–238. https://doi.org/10.1080/10986065.2016.1184953

Purwasih, R., Turmudi, D., J. A., I., E., & Minasyan, S. (2024). A Semiotic Perspective of Mathematical Activity: The Case of Integer. Infinity Journal, 13(1), 271–284. https://doi.org/10.22460/infinity.v13i1.p271-284

Putra, Y., Puji, E., Nur, A., & Satrio, A. (2023). Study the Literature of PISA-Based Test Instruments on Students ’ Mathematical Reasoning Ability. PRISMA, Prosiding Seminar Nasional Matematika, 6, 47–51.

Rachma, A. A., & Rosjanuardi, R. (2021). Students’ Obstacles in Learning Sequence and Series Using Onto-Semiotic Approach. Jurnal Pendidikan Matematika, 15(2), 115–132. https://doi.org/10.22342/jpm.15.2.13519.115-132

Rizki, H., Frentika, D., & Wijaya, A. (2018). Exploring students’ adaptive reasoning skills and van Hiele levels of geometric thinking: A case study in geometry. Journal of Physics: Conference …, Query date: 2023-09-06 09:20:59. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/983/1/012148

Rusdiana, R., Samsuddin, A. F., Muhtadin, A., & Fendiyanto, P. (2023). Development of Mathematical Literacy Problems in the Context of East Kalimantan. Jurnal Cendekia : Jurnal Pendidikan Matematika, 7(1), 197–210. https://doi.org/10.31004/cendekia.v7i1.1885

Sa’Diyah, M., Sa’Dijah, C., Sisworo, & Handayani, U. F. (2019). How Students Build Their Mathematical Dispositions towards Solving Contextual and Abstract Mathematics Problems. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1397(1), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1397/1/012090

Sanford, J. F., & Naidu, J. T. (2017). Mathematical Modeling And Computational Thinking. Contemporary Issues in Education Research-Second Quarter 2017, 10(2), 159–168.

Su, H. F. H. “Angie,” Ricci, F. A., & Mnatsakanian, M. (2016). Mathematical teaching strategies: Pathways to critical thinking and metacognition. International Journal of Research in Education and Science (IJRES), 2(1), 190–200. https://doi.org/10.21890/ijres.57796

Sumirattana, S., Makanong, A., & Thipkong, S. (2017). Using realistic mathematics education and the DAPIC problem-solving process to enhance secondary school students’ mathematical literacy. Kasetsart Journal of Social Sciences, 38(3), 307–315. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.kjss.2016.06.001

Surya, E., Putri, F. A., & Mukhtar. (2017). Improving the mathematical problem-solving ability and self-confidence of high school students through a contextual learning model. Journal on Mathematics Education, 8(1), 85–94.

Syawahid, M. (2019). Mathematical Literacy in Algebra Reasoning. International Journal of Insights for Mathematics Teaching, 02(1), 33–46.

Zikl, P., Havlíčková, K., Holoubková, N., Hrníčková, K., & Volfová, M. (2015). Mathematical Literacy of Pupils with Mild Intellectual Disabilities. Procedia - Social and Behavioral Sciences, 174, 2582–2589. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sbspro.2015.01.936

Downloads

Published

2025-12-13

How to Cite

Palayukan, H., Ikram, M., Monguel, L. E. S., & Sari, D. (2025). Development of Semiotic Assessment Instruments Based on Mathematical Literacy: Assessment Innovation in the Independent Curriculum. QALAMUNA: Jurnal Pendidikan, Sosial, Dan Agama, 17(2), 1401–1416. https://doi.org/10.37680/qalamuna.v17i2.8114

Issue

Section

Articles