KEMAMPUAN KOMUNIKASI MATEMATIS SISWA DALAM MENYELESAIKAN MASALAH HOTS MELALUI METODE PEMBELAJARAN DISKUSI

This study aims to improve students’ written mathematical communication skills in solving Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) problems through the implementation of the discussion-based learning method. The research employed a mixed methods approach with an embedded design, in which quantitative data served as the primary data and qualitative data functioned as supporting data. The quantitative component used a pre-experimental method with a one group pretest–posttest design. The research subjects were fifth-grade students of SD Negeri 1 Tulungrejo. Quantitative data were collected through a HOTS-based written mathematical communication test, while qualitative data were obtained through observations of lesson implementation and interviews. Quantitative data analysis was conducted by comparing pretest and posttest results to determine improvements in students’ mathematical communication skills, whereas qualitative data were analyzed descriptively to strengthen and explain the quantitative findings. The results indicate that the implementation of the discussion-based learning method was able to improve students’ written mathematical communication skills in solving HOTS problems. The improvement was observed in students’ ability to clearly express mathematical ideas in written form, use mathematical symbols and terminology appropriately, explain relationships and mathematical concepts, interpret and evaluate mathematical ideas, and systematically organize solution steps and conclusions. These findings suggest that the discussion-based learning method can be used as an alternative mathematics teaching strategy in elementary schools to support the improvement of students’ written mathematical communication skills in solving HOTS problems.