Designing a Local Wisdom-Based Visual Novel Math Game to Facilitate Students’ Mathematical Problem-Solving Ability
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.22437/edumatica.v16i2.50826Keywords:
local wisdom, math game, problem solving, visual novelAbstract
This study aimed to design and investigate the effectiveness of a visual novel game incorporating local wisdom to improve students’ problem-solving ability. The research adopted a design research approach in the context of development studies, comprising two main phases: the preliminary phase and the formative evaluation phase, which included self-evaluation, expert evaluation, and iterative evaluation (one-to-one, small group, and field test). The participants consisted of 47 students across the formative evaluation stages, including 38 students who participated in the field test from the Mathematics Education study program at UIN Jurai Siwo Lampung. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon test and followed by the n-gain test. The results indicate that the visual novel game is feasible in terms of content, media, and language for facilitating students’ problem-solving ability. The Wilcoxon test revealed a significant difference in students’ problem-solving ability before and after the implementation of the visual novel game. Furthermore, this game demonstrated a high potential effect on improving students’ problem-solving ability, as evidenced by the N-gain score of 0.715 (high category). These findings suggest that the visual novel game is a feasible and potentially effective learning medium for facilitating students’ mathematical problem-solving ability.
References
Abda, M. I., & Pambudi, B. (2024). Application of problem-solving approach using model problem based learning to improve ability problem solving and student self-efficacy, 1(1). MICESHI Proceeding. https://ojs.unimal.ac.id/mijeshi/
Anam, K., Sudarwo, R., & Wiradharma, G. (2020). Application of the problem based learning model to communication skills and mathematical problem solving skills in junior high school students. JTAM (journal of mathematical theory and application), 4(2), 155. https://doi.org/10.31764/jtam.v4i2.2553
Anastasiadis, T., Lampropoulos, G., & Siakas, K. (2018). Digital game-based learning and serious games in education. International Journal of Advances in Scientific Research and Engineering, 4(12), 139–144. https://doi.org/10.31695/ijasre.2018.33016
Angelelli, C. V., Ribeiro, G. M. de C., Severino, M. R., Johnstone, E., Borzenkova, G., & da Silva, D. C. O. (2023). Developing critical thinking skills through gamification. Thinking Skills and Creativity, 49. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsc.2023.101354
Bourke, B. (2021). Using gamification to engage higher-order thinking skills. in research anthology on developing critical thinking skills in students (pp. 632–652). IGI Global. https://doi.org/10.4018/978-1-7998-3022-1.ch033
Cai, Z., Zhang, X., Liu, C., & Zhan, J. (2025). Effects of digital game-based learning on student's problem-solving ability: A three-level meta-analysis. Journal of Computer Assisted Learning, 41(2), e70002. https://doi.org/10.1111/jcal.70002
Calvo-Ferrer, JR (2017). Educational games as a stand-alone learning tool and its motivational effect on the acquisition of L2 vocabulary and perceived learning advantages. British Journal of Educational Technology, 48(2), 264–278. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjet.12387
Chiu, T. K. F., & Mok, I. A. C. (2017). Learner expertise and mathematics different order thinking skills in multimedia learning. Computers & Education, 107, 147–164. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2017.01.008
Chang, K.E., Wu, L.J., Weng, S.E., & Sung, Y.T. (2012). Embedding game-based problem-solving phase into problem-posing system for mathematics learning. Computers and Education, 58(2), 775–786. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2011.10.002
Darmanto, B., & Sudarmilah, E. (2016). Educational games on the impact of promiscuity. Protek : Journal Scientific Electrical Engineering, 3(2). https://doi.org/10.33387/protk.v3i2.149
Demirel, T., & Karakus Yilmaz, T. (2019). The effects of mind games in math and grammar courses on the achievements and perceived problem-solving skills of secondary school students. British Journal of Educational Technology, 50(3), 1482–1494. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjet.12624
Deng, R., Benckendorff, P., & Gannaway, D. (2020). Learner engagement in MOOCs: Scale development and validation. British Journal of Educational Technology, 51(1), 245–262. https://doi.org/10.1111/bjet.12810
Fajriyah, E. (2018). The role of ethnomathematics related to mathematical concepts in supporting literacy. PRISMA, Proceedings of the National Seminar on Mathematics, 1, 114–119. https://journal.unnes.ac.id/sju/index.php/prisma/article/view/19589
Florensia, J., & Suryadibrata, A. (2023). 7-Day Math: A mobile visual novel game for mathematics education. International Journal of Interactive Mobile Technologies, 17(6), 197–205. https://doi.org/10.3991/ijim.v17i06.36545
Freitas, S. A. A., Lacerda, A. R. T., Calado, P. M. R. O., Lima, T. S., & Canedo, Ed. D. (2017). Gamification in Education: A Methodology to Identify Student’s Profile. IEEE.
Güner, P., & Erbay, H. N. (2021). Prospective mathematics teachers’ thinking styles and problem-solving skills. Thinking Skills and Creativity, 40, 100827. thttps://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsc.2021.100827
Hermita, N., Alim, J. A., Putra, Z. H., Gusti, P. M., Wijaya, T. T., & Pereira, J. (2021). Designing interactive games to improve the sense of numbers of elementary school students. Al-Jabar: Journal of Mathematics Education, 12(2), 413–426. https://doi.org/10.24042/ajpm.v12i2.9983
Jabali, S. G., Supriyono, S., & Nugraheni, P. (2020). Development of ethnomathematics-based visual novel game media to improve understanding of concepts in algebraic materials. Mathematics: Journal of Mathematics Education and Learning, 2(2), 185–198. https://doi.org/10.35316/alifmatika.2020.v2i2.185-198.
Kafai, Y. B., & Burke, Q. (2015). Constructivist games: Understanding the benefits of making games for learning. Educational Psychologist, 50(4), 313–334. https://doi.org/10.1080/00461520.2015.1124022
Kamid, Syafmen, W., Fajriah, N., Citra, Y. D., Rivani, P. A., & Widodo, R. I. (2022). Investigate the role of traditional games in developing students' process skills and interest in learning mathematics. Journal of Eurasian Education Research, 97, 216–234. https://doi.org/10.14689/ejer.2022.97.12.
Ke, F., & Clark, K. M. (2020). Game-based multimodal representations and mathematical problem solving. International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education, 18(1), 103–122. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10763-018-9938-3
La'ia, H. T., & Harefa, D. (2021). The relationship between mathematical problem-solving ability and students' mathematical communication skills. Journal of Nonformal Education, 7(2), 463. https://doi.org/10.37905/aksara.7.2.463-474.2021
Likurnia Stevani, A., Tanujaya, B., & Adi Widodo, S. (2025). Android-based mathematics learning media on geometry using the context of tourist destinations. Mathematics Teaching Research Journal, 60 (2).
Maf’ulah, S., & Juniati, D. (2020). The effect of learning with reversible problem-solving approach on prospective-math-teacher students’ reversible thinking. International Journal of Instruction, 13(2), 329–342. https://doi.org/10.29333/iji.2020.13223a
Marchy, F., Murni, A., & Muhammad, I. (2022). The Effectiveness of using problem-based learning (PBL) in mathematics problem-solving ability for junior high school students. AlphaMath Journal of Mathematics Education, 8(2). https://10.30595/alphamath.v8i2.15047
Mardapi, D. (2008). Techniques for Preparing Test and Non-Test Instruments. Cendikia Press.
Md Arta, I., N Japa, I. G., & Sudarma, I. K. (2020). Icebreaker-assisted problem-based learning affects math problem-solving skills. Jurnal Ilmiah Pendidikan Guru Sekolah Dasar, 8(2), 264–273., https://doi.org/10.23887/jjpgsd.v8i2.25435
Nazara, E., & Dewi, I. (2023). The Effect of Problem-Based Learning (PBL) Using Video-Based Learning (VBL) on Mathematics Students' Problem-Solving Ability in SMK Negeri 14 Medan. Journal of Scholars: Journal of Mathematics Education, 8(1), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.31004/cendekia.v8i1.1961
Nizaruddin, Muhtarom, & Sugiyanti. (2017). Improving students’ problem-solving ability in mathematics through game-based learning activities. World Transactions on Engineering and Technology Education, 15(2), 102–107. https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85021771514&partnerID=40&md5=116f1fa3c52ec0d080836c71e20ff253
OECD. (2023). PISA 2022 Results Factsheets Indonesia PUBE. https://oecdch.art/a40de1dbaf/C108.
Prahmana, R.C., & D'Ambrosio, U. (2020). Learning the geometry and value of patterns: Ethnomathematics about batik patterns in Yogyakarta, Indonesia. Journal of Mathematics Education, 11(3), 439–456. https://doi.org/10.22342/jme.11.3.12949.439-456
Pratama, R. A. (2025). Effectiveness of research and development (R&D) of Android-based educational games to improve students’ mathematical reasoning: A meta-analysis approach. Discover Education, 4, Article 315. https://doi.org/10.1007/s44217-025-00486-7
Pratama, R. A., & Afriani, R. (2025). the Effect of ethnomathematics-based learning on students’ mathematical problem-solving skills in Indonesia: A meta-analysis study. SN Social Sciences, 5(11), 204. https://doi.org/10.1007/s43545-025-01235-1
Purnama, S. R., & Jatmiko. (2024). the Use of marble games in ethnomathematics approaches as a means of learning mathematics for elementary schools. National Seminar on Science, Health, and Learning 3, 286–293. https://daridesa.com/profil- village/traditional-game-marbles-is-still-in-your-village/.
Rahmadi, I. F., & Lavicza, Z. (2021). Pedagogical innovation in basic mathematics instruction: future learning and research directions. International Journal of Social Sciences and Education, 3(2), 360–378. https://doi.org/10.46328/ijonses.110
Rakhmawati, I. A., & Alifia, N. N. (2018). Local wisdom in mathematics learning as a character booster of students. Journal of Electronic Learning of Mathematics, 5(2), 186–196. https://jurnal.uns.ac.id/jpm/article/view/26054
Risnawati, Amir, Z., & Wahyuningsih, D. (2018). The Development of Educational Game as Instructional Media to Facilitate Students’ Capabilities in Mathematical Problem Solving. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1028(1). https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1028/1/012130.
Siswanto, E., Rahayu, W., & Meiliasari, D. (2025). Optimizing Mathematical Problem-Solving Skills through the Implementation of Problem Based Learning (PBL): Systematic Literature Review. SJME (Supremum Journal of Mathematics Education), 09(01), 181–195. https://doi.org/10.35706/sjme.v9i1.185
Suparman, Juandi, D., & Turmudi. (2025). Development of ucing sumput as a digital educational game to enhance students’ mathematics achievement, 17(2). https://mtrj.commons.gc.cuny.edu/volume-17-n-2/
Tessmer, M. (1993). Planning and Conducting Formative Evaluation. Philadelphia: Kogen Page.
Wahyuni, S., Ikashaum, F., Wulantina, E., Mustika, J., & Putri, L.M. (2022). Development of authentic assessment models in research methods courses. Proceedings of the Eighth International Conference on Science, Technology, Education, Arts, Culture, and Humanities (STEACH) (SEADR-STEACH 2021), 627, 98–102. https://doi.org/10.2991/assehr.k.211229.016
Wahyuni, S., Isrok'atun, I., & Maulana, M. (2024). The Effect of problem-based learning with the game "exploring time" on mathematical problem-solving ability in elementary school. SJME (Supremum Journal of Mathematics Education), 8(1), 29–44. https://doi.org/10.35706/sjme.v8i1.10580.
Yang, R.H., Spector, J.M., & Junfeng, Y. (2019). Educational technology: primary for the 21st century. Di Springer. Springer International Publishing. https://doi.org/10.1080/1358165750010212
Downloads
Published
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Endah Wulantina, Fertilia Ikashaum, Nadya Salsabila, Dewi Fitriyani
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
