Improving Learning Quality: Teachers’ Perspectives on Learning Problems and Recommended Solutions in Indonesia
Article Number: e2025238 | Available Online: June 2025 | DOI: 10.22521/edupij.2025.16.238
Baidowi , Naif Mastoor Alsulami
Full text PDF |
3061 |
1996
Abstract
|
Background/purpose. Learning problems are a common occurrence in the field of education, especially in the context of the post-pandemic era. This study aims to investigate the challenges faced by teachers in learning and the solutions they proposed to address these issues. Materials/methods. A phenomenological design was used in this study, with 49 teachers from various subjects and regions in Indonesia participating. The primary instrument was a questionnaire on learning problems and solutions, validated through content validity. Thematic analysis was employed for data analysis. Results. The study identified teachers’ challenges, including low student motivation and behavior, limited resources, lack of curriculum understanding, and unengaging learning designs. Proposed solutions included enhancing student motivation through effective learning management, parental support, provision of adequate learning facilities, and an adaptive curriculum, particularly in mathematics. Conclusion. The study concluded that low student motivation and behavior were linked to resource limitations, curriculum understanding gaps, and unengaging learning designs. Recommendations included improving learning motivation through effective learning management, parental involvement, infrastructure support, and teacher training for competency enhancement. |
Keywords: Learning motivation, learning problems, mathematics learning, phenomenology
ReferencesAçıkgül, K., & Aslaner, R. (2020). Effects of Geogebra supported micro teaching applications and technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK) game practices on the TPACK levels of prospective teachers. Education and Information Technologies, 25(3), 2023–2047. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10639-019-10044-y
Alvarez, A. V. (2020). Learning from the problems and challenges in blended learning: Basis for faculty development and program enhancement. Asian Journal of Distance Education, 15(2), 112–132. http://www.asianjde.org
Ammy, P. M., & Maryanti, I. (2023). Android-based media in course of mathematics learning strategy at Universitas Muhammadiyah Sumatera Utara. Jurnal Matematika Kreatif-Inovatif, 14(2), 228–242. https://journal.unnes.ac.id/nju/kreano/article/view/39573/14661
Aqilah, T. S., Ediyanto, E., Irvan, M., & Junaidi, A. R. (2023). Phenomenological method in research on resilience of mothers with autistic children in Indonesia. Jurnal Multidisiplin Madani, 3(12), 2569–2575. https://doi.org/10.55927/mudima.v3i12.7363
Barrett, P., Treves, A., Shmis, T., Ambasz, D., & Ustinova, M. (2019). The impact of school infrastructure on learning: A synthesis of the evidence. World Bank Group. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED604388.pdf
Basar, Z. M., Mansor, A. N., Jamaludin, K. A., & Alias, B. S. (2021). The effectiveness and challenges of online learning for secondary school students - A case study. Asian Journal of University Education, 17(3), 119–129. https://doi.org/10.24191/ajue.v17i3.14514
Bencivenga, R. (2017). The ‘digital curious’: first steps towards a new typology for mapping adults’ relationships with others when using ICT. European Journal for Research on the Education and Learning of Adults, 8(1), 55–76. https://doi.org/10.3384/rela.2000-7426.rela9117
BSKAP. (2022a). Panduan pembelajaran dan asesmen: Pendidikan anak usia dini, pendidikan dasar, dan menengah. BSKAP. https://kurikulum.kemdikbud.go.id/wp-content/uploads/2022/06/Panduan-Pembelajarn-dan-Asesmen.pdf
BSKAP. (2022b). Pembelajaran dan asesmen. BSKAP.
Cicekci, M. A., & Sadik, F. (2019). Teachers’ and students’ opinions about students’ attention problems during the lesson. Journal of Education and Learning, 8(6), 15–30. https://doi.org/10.5539/jel.v8n6p15
Clapper, T. C. (2010). Creating the safe learning environment. Pailal Newsletter, 3(2), 1–6. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/257835881
Çoban, F., & Ceylan, M. (2023). Examining the needs of public schools for special education. Mimbar Sekolah Dasar, 10(2), 368–391. https://doi.org/10.53400/mimbar-sd.v10i2.49637
Cooper, J. L., & Alibali, M. W. (2012). Visual representations in mathematics problem-solving: Effects of diagrams and illustrations. Proceeding of the 34th Annual Meeting of the North American Chapter of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education, 281–288. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/ED584910.pdf
Csíkos, C., & Szitányi, J. (2020). Teachers’ pedagogical content knowledge in teaching word problem solving strategies. ZDM, 52, 165–178. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11858-019-01115-y
Cueli, M., Areces, D., García, T., Alves, R. A., & González-Castro, P. (2020). Attention, inhibitory control and early mathematical skills in preschool students. Psicothema, 32(2), 237–244. https://doi.org/10.7334/psicothema2019.225
Dangal, M. R., & Joshi, R. (2020). Hermeneutic phenomenology: Essence in educational research. Open Journal for Studies in Philosophy, 4(1), 25–42. https://doi.org/10.32591/coas.ojsp.0401.03025d
Diana, R. R., Chirzin, M., & Bashori, K. (2021). Parental engagement on children character education: The influences of positive parenting and agreeableness mediated by religiosity. Cakrawala Pendidikan, 40(2), 428–444. https://doi.org/10.21831/cp.v40i2.39477
Dockendorff, M., & Solar, H. (2018). ICT integration in mathematics initial teacher training and its impact on visualization: The case of GeoGebra. International Journal of Mathematical Education in Science and Technology, 49(1), 66–84. https://doi.org/10.1080/0020739X.2017.1341060
Dorimana, A., Uworwabayeho, A., & Nizeyimana, G. (2022). Enhancing upper secondary learners’ problem-solving abilities using problem-based learning in mathematics. International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research, 21(8), 235–252. https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.21.8.14
Dubovec, J., Falat, L., & Makysova, J. (2016). Optimal number of students in the class. Global Journal of Business, Economics and Management: Current Issues, 6(2), 243–249. https://doi.org/10.18844/gjbem.v6i2.1387
Ehrenberg, R. G., Brewer, D. J., Gamoran, A., & Douglas Willms, J. (2001). Class size and student achievement. Psychological Science in the Public Interest, 2(1), 1–30. https://luk.staff.ugm.ac.id/artikel/sisdiknas/Ehrenberg-ClassSize.pdf
Eminita, V., Saefuddin, A., Sadik, K., & Syafitri, U. D. (2024). Analyzing multilevel model of educational data: Teachers’ ability effect on students’ mathematical learning motivation. Journal on Mathematics Education, 15(2), 431–450. https://doi.org/10.22342/jme.v15i2.pp431-450
Esposito, M., & Moroney, R. (2020). Teacher candidates’ perception of acquiring TPACK in the digital age through an innovative educational technology masters program. Journal for Leadership and Instruction, 19(1), 25–30. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1255873.pdf
Fitriati, F., Rosli, R., & Iksan, Z. H. (2023). Enhancing prospective mathematics teachers' lesson planning skills through lesson study within school-university partnership program. Journal on Mathematics Education, 14(1), 69–84. https://doi.org/10.22342/JME.V14I1.PP69-84
Fuadi, D., Sutama, Sumardjoko, B., Novitasari, M., Inugati, E., Saputra, A., Musiman, & Pratiwi, D. S. (2021). Discipline factor and the impact on mathematics learning outcomes in vocational high schools. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1720(1). https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1720/1/012003
Garad, A., Al-Ansi, A. M., & Qamari, I. N. (2021). The role of e-learning infrastructure and cognitive competence in distance learning effectiveness during the COVID-19 pandemic. Cakrawala Pendidikan, 40(1), 81–91. https://doi.org/10.21831/cp.v40i1.33474
Ghorbanpour, E., Abbasian, G.-R., & Mohseni, A. (2021). Assessment alternatives in developing L2 listening ability: Assessment for, of, as learning or integration? Assessment x̄ approach. International Journal of Language Testing, 11(1). https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1291314.pdf
Greening, N. (2019). Phenomenological research methodology. Scientific Research Journal, VII(V), 88–92. https://doi.org/10.31364/scirj/v7.i5.2019.p0519656
Hamaidi, D. A., Arouri, Y. M., Noufa, R. K., & Aldrou, I. T. (2021). Parents’ perceptions of their children’s experiences with distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic. International Review of Research in Open and Distance Learning, 22(2), 224–241. https://doi.org/10.19173/irrodl.v22i2.5154
Haq, R. R., & Irawati, L. D. D. (2022). Influence of using animated video media in online learning at junior high school. Curricula: Journal of Curriculum Development, 1(1), 51–60. https://doi.org/10.17509/curricula.v1i1.47790
Hariyani, M., Herman, T., Suryadi, D., & Prabawanto, S. (2022). Exploration of student learning obstacles in solving fraction problems in elementary school. International Journal of Educational Methodology, 8(3), 505–515. https://doi.org/10.12973/ijem.8.3.505
Huang, R., & Shimizu, Y. (2016). Improving teaching, developing teachers and teacher educators, and linking theory and practice through lesson study in mathematics: An international perspective. ZDM-Mathematics Education, 48(4), 393–409. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11858-016-0795-7
Irwanto, I. (2021). Research trends in technological pedagogical content knowledge (TPACK): A systematic literature review from 2010 to 2021. European Journal of Educational Research, 10(4), 2045–2054. https://doi.org/10.12973/eu- jer.10.4.2045
Isnawan, M. G., Azis, A., & Almazroei, E. E. (2023). Parents’ perspectives on distance learning mathematics during the Covid-19 pandemic: A phenomenological study in Indonesia. European Journal of Educational Research, 12(1), 567–581. https://doi.org/10.12973/eu-jer.12.1.567
Isnawan, M. G., Suryadi, D., & Turmudi, T. (2022). How do secondary students develop the meaning of fractions? A hermeneutic phenomenological study. Beta: Jurnal, 15(1), 1–19. https://doi.org/10.20414/betajtm.v15i1.496
Isnawan, M. G., Suryadi, D., Turmudi, T., & Marfuah, M. (2022). Parental obstacles during distance learning mathematics in Indonesia: A phenomenology study. European Journal of Educational Research, 11(2), 873–883. https://doi.org/10.12973/eu-jer.11.2.873
Kim, I., Ward, P., Sinelnikov, O., Ko, B., Iserbyt, P., Li, W., & Curtner-Smith, M. (2018). The influence of content knowledge on pedagogical content knowledge: An evidence-based practice for physical education. Journal of Teaching in Physical Education, 37(2), 133–143. https://doi.org/10.1123/jtpe.2017-0168
Laitsch, D., Nguyen, H., & Younghusband, C. H. (2021). Class size and teacher work: Research was provided to the BCTF on their struggle to negotiate teacher working conditions. Canadian Journal of Educational Administration and Policy, 196, 83–101. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1301589.pdf
Lubis, A. H., & Wangid, M. N. (2019). The analysis of students’ discipline character in mathematics learning. Advances in Social Science, Education and Humanities Research, 326, 118–123. https://www.atlantis-press.com/article/125910356.pdf
Mailizar, M., & Fan, L. (2020). Indonesian teachers’ knowledge of ICT and the use of ICT in secondary mathematics teaching. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 16(1), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.29333/ejmste/110352
Mazana, M. Y., Montero, C. S., & Casmir, R. O. (2019). Investigating students’ attitude towards learning mathematics. International Electronic Journal of Mathematics education, 14(1), 207–231. https://doi.org/10.29333/iejme/3997
Mempin, J. R. (2024). Creating a safe and inclusive learning environment: The synergy of student responsibility and teacher skills. International Journal of Research Publication and Reviews, 5(11), 3710–3716. https://ijrpr.com/uploads/V5ISSUE11/IJRPR35134.pdf
Mengyao, H., Ismail, Z., Ismail, N., & Xueting, H. (2024). Motivation in learning mathematics among high school students in Ningbo, China. Journal on Mathematics Education, 15(3), 961–978. https://doi.org/10.22342/jme.v15i3.pp961-978
Mirzajani, H., Mahmud, R., Fauzi Mohd Ayub, A., & Wong, S. L. (2016). Teachers’ acceptance of ICT and its integration in the classroom. Quality Assurance in Education, 24(1), 26–40. https://doi.org/10.1108/QAE-06-2014-0025
Mupa, P., & Chinooneka, T. I. (2015). Factors contributing to ineffective teaching and learning in primary schools: Why are schools in decadence? Journal of Education and Practice, 6(19), 125–132. www.iiste.org
Nowell, L. S., Norris, J. M., White, D. E., & Moules, N. J. (2017). Thematic analysis: Striving to meet the trustworthiness criteria. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 16, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1177/1609406917733847
Pantziara, M., & Philippou, G. N. (2015). Students’ motivation in the mathematics classroom: Revealing causes and consequences. International Journal of Science and Mathematics Education, 13, 385–411. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10763-013-9502-0
Putri, N. M. W. Y., & Riastini, P. N. (2024). Elementary school teachers have problems in facing the independent curriculum, as seen from driving schools. Jurnal Ilmiah Sekolah Dasar, 7(4), 696–704. https://doi.org/10.23887/jisd.v7i4.64646
Rezat, S., & Sträßer, R. (2012). From the didactical triangle to the socio-didactical tetrahedron: Artifacts as fundamental constituents of the didactical situation. ZDM-Mathematics Education, 44(5), 641–651. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11858-012-0448-4
Ritonga, R., Harahap, R., Adawiyah, R., & Harahap, H. H. (2023). Penguatan sekolah penggerak dalam optimalisasi peran komunitas belajar. Journal of Community Dedication and Development, 3(2), 25–36. https://jurnal.stain-madina-ac.id/index.php/jcdd/index
Rone, N. E., Guao, N. A. A., Jr., M. S. J., Acedillo, N. B., Balinton, K. R., & Francisco, J. O. (2023). Students’ lack of interest, motivation in learning, and classroom participation: How to motivate them? Psychology and Education: A Multidisciplinary Journal, 7(PEMJ585), 636–645. https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.7749977
Saadati, F., & Celis, S. (2023). Student motivation in learning mathematics in technical and vocational higher education: Development of an instrument. International Journal of Education in Mathematics, Science and Technology, 11(1), 156–178. https://doi.org/10.46328/ijemst.2194
Salehudin, M., Nasir, M., Hamzah, S. H., Toba, R., Hayati, N., & Safiah, I. (2021). The users’ experiences in processing visual media for creative and online learning using instagram. European Journal of Educational Research, 10(4), 1669–1682. https://doi.org/10.12973/eu-jer.10.4.1669
Sari, R. P., Armiati, & Permana, D. (2021). Practicality of learning design based on realistic mathematics education of derivative topic for grade XI senior high school. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1940(1), 012105. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1940/1/012105
Sari, U. A., Fauziyah, N., Ghozi, A., Azizah, I. N., & Al-Fidyah, U. F. (2021). Improving the students' learning concentration through ice-breaking. Advances in Social Science, Education and Humanities Research, 529, 614–619. https://www.atlantis-press.com/article/125955777.pdf
Sasidharan, S., & Kareem, J. (2023). Student perceptions and experiences in mathematics classrooms: A thematic analysis. International Journal of Innovation in Science and Mathematics Education, 31(2), 47–59. https://doi.org/10.30722/IJISME.31.02.004
Setiaji, K., Nurkhin, A., Hardi Raharjo, T., & Negeri Semarang, U. (2023). Training on the implementation of independent curriculum learning for teachers in Sekolah Indonesia Jeddah. Indonesian Journal of Devotion and Empowerment, 5(2), 20. https://doi.org/10.15294/ijde.v5i2.76141
Setiawati, R. I., & Shofwan, I. (2023). Implementasi prinsip pendidikan orang dewasa pada pelatihan tata busana di satuan pendidikan non formal SKB Ungaran. Lifelong Education Journal, 3(1), 42–59. https://journal.imadiklus.or.id/index.php/lej
Sridana, N., Alsulami, N. M., Isnawan, M. G., & Sukarma, I. K. (2025). Problem-solving based epistemic learning pattern: Optimizing mathematical representation ability of prospective teachers and pharmacists. Educational Process International Journal, 14(1), 1–20. https://doi.org/10.22521/edupij.2025.14.21
Stolz, S. A. (2020). Phenomenology and phenomenography in educational research: a critique. Educational Philosophy and Theory, 1–20. https://doi.org/10.1080/00131857.2020.1724088
Sukarma, I. K., Isnawan, M. G., & Alsulami, N. M. (2024). Research on nonroutine problems: A hybrid didactical design for overcoming student learning obstacles. Human Behavior and Emerging Technologies, 2024(Article ID 5552365), 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1155/2024/5552365
Sulistyaningsih, D., Purnomo, P., & Aziz, A. (2018). Development of learning design for mathematics manipulatives learning based on e-learning and character building. International Electronic Journal of Mathematics Education, 14(1), 197–205. https://doi.org/10.29333/iejme/3996
Suranto, S., & Pramitasari, E. (2024). Effective study hours for students in the distribution of subjects at vocational high school. Lectura: Jurnal Pendidikan, 15(1), 222–234. https://doi.org/10.31849/lectura.v15i1.18435
Suryadi, D. (2019a). Landasan filosofis penelitian desain didaktis (DDR). Pusat Pengembangan DDR Indonesia.
Suryadi, D. (2019b). Penelitian desain didaktis (DDR) dan implementasinya. Gapura Press.
Thobela, N. M., Sekao, R. D., & Ogbonnaya, U. I. (2023). Mathematics teachers’ use of textbooks for instructional decision-making in lesson study. Journal of Pedagogical Research, 7(4), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.33902/JPR.202320138
Valete, L. C. (2023). Learners’ motivation and academic performance in mathematics: A literature review. International Journal of Scientific Engineering and Applied Science (IJSEAS), 9(9), 1–11. https://ijseas.com/volume9/v9i3/IJSEAS202303101.pdf
Yang, L. P., & Xin, T. (2022). Changing educational assessments in the post-COVID-19 era: From assessment of learning (AoL) to assessment as learning (AaL). Educational Measurement: Issues and Practice, 41(1), 54–60. https://doi.org/10.1111/emip.12492
Yangambi, M. (2023). Impact of school infrastructures on students learning and performance: Case of three public schools in a developing country. Creative Education, 14(04), 788–809. https://doi.org/10.4236/ce.2023.144052