The Real Connections, Meaningful Algebra: Developing an Algebra Assesment Instrument  Based on Construct Centered Design

Sahidi Sahidi; Usman Mulbar; Alimudin Tampa

doi:10.55227/ijhess.v6i1.2437

Authors

Sahidi Sahidi Program Studi Pendidikan Matematika, Universitas Negeri Makassar
Usman Mulbar Mathematics Education Study Program, Universitas Negeri Makassar
Alimudin Tampa Program Studi Pendidikan Matematika, Universitas Negeri Makassar

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.55227/ijhess.v6i1.2437

Keywords:

Assessment Instrument, Contextual, Construct Centered Design, Junior High School Algebra, Mathematical Connection Ability

Abstract

The low mathematical connection ability of junior high school students, particularly in algebra, remains a fundamental problem unsystematically addressed in Indonesian assessment practice. This study aims to develop a contextual-based algebraic connection instrument using the Construct Centered Design (CCD) approach that is valid, practical, and effective for ninth-grade junior high school students. A Research and Development (R&D) method was employed with a four-phase CCD design: (1) construct definition, (2) evidence design, (3) task design, and (4) evaluation. The instrument was piloted with 34 ninth-grade students at SMP Negeri 1 Kabupaten Sorong in the 2024/2025 academic year. Results indicate: (1) instrument validity reached 88.3% (very valid); (2) teacher practicality 85.0% and student practicality 82.6% (both very practical); (3) classical completeness 79.4% (effective). Student response analysis showed that the CCD based instrument can stratify students' connection profiles across three dimensions: inter-concept connections, cross-disciplinary connections, and contextual connections. The implications affirm the urgency of integrating construct-based approaches in developing mathematics assessment instruments to support Merdeka Curriculum implementation.

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