The Effectiveness Of STEAM-Based Differentiated Learning On The Mathematics Learning Outcomes Of Junior High School Students
Abstract
Purpose of the Study:
The purpose of this study is to examine the effectiveness of STEAM-based differentiated learning on the mathematics learning outcomes of junior high school students.
Methodology:
This study employed a quantitative research method with a pre-experimental one-group pretest-posttest design. The tools used included observation sheets and achievement tests. Data analysis involved descriptive statistics and significance tests. The subjects were 24 junior high school students from SMP Negeri 5 Takalar.
Main Findings:
Student engagement in STEAM-based learning increased from 69% to 84%. The mean test score improved significantly from 35.21 to 80.42. The N-gain score showed substantial improvement, with a mean value of 0.7029. Both posttest and N-gain results were statistically significant (p < 0.05), confirming the effectiveness of the intervention.
Novelty/Originality of this Study:
This study offers a novel approach by integrating STEAM principles with differentiated learning in the context of mathematics education, an area that has not been extensively explored. It contributes to advancing the current knowledge by demonstrating the positive impact of this approach on students’ engagement and academic outcomes, particularly in enhancing problem-solving and critical thinking skills in mathematics.
Views / Downloads
Files
License
Copyright (c) 2025 Kristiawati, Muhammad Rizal Usman (Author)

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
References
[1] S. Pahmi, D. Juandi, and R. Sugiarni, “The effect of STEAM in mathematics learning on 21st century skills: A systematic literature reviews,” Prisma, vol. 11, no. 1, pp. 93–104, 2022, doi: https://doi.org/10.35194/jp.v11i1.2039.
[2] A. Breda, A. Neves, J. Dos Santos, and Z. Lavicza, “Utilising a STEAM-based Approach to Support Calculus Students’ Positive Attitudes Towards Mathematics and Enhance their Learning Outcomes,” Open Educ. Stud., vol. 5, no. 1, p. 20220210, 2023.
[3] S. Satriani, A. Syamsuddin, and N. Tamanga, “Identification of Student Learning Styles in Implementing Differentiation Learning in Thai Islamic Schools,” Eur. J. Educ. Pedagog., vol. 5, no. 1, pp. 31–34, 2024, doi: 10.24018/ejedu.2024.5.1.750.
[4] A. Bhor and M. Varghese, “Steam-based teaching: Enhancing quality in education,” J. Educ., vol. 11, no. 2, pp. 323–331, 2024.
[5] Y. Fang, “STEM Vs. STEAM: A Comparative Analysis of Student Performance and Engagement,” Front. Educ. Res., vol. 8, no. 5, 2025, doi: 10.25236/FER.2025.080530.
[6] N. Goyibova, N. Muslimov, G. Sabirova, N. Kadirova, and B. Samatova, “Differentiation approach in education: Tailoring instruction for diverse learner needs. MethodsX, 14, 103163.” 2025, doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.mex.2025.103163.
[7] C. A. Tomlinson and J. M. Jarvis, “Differentiation: Making curriculum work for all students through responsive planning & instruction,” in Systems and models for developing programs for the gifted and talented, Routledge, 2023, pp. 599–628.
[8] N.-H. Tran, C.-F. Huang, and J.-F. Hung, “Exploring the effectiveness of STEAM-based courses on junior high school students’ scientific creativity,” in Frontiers in education, 2021, vol. 6, p. 666792, doi: 10.3389/feduc.2021.666792.
[9] A. V. Setiawan, S. M. Hutauruk, S. A. Meilina, and A. S. Ardiansyah, “Improving Numeracy Literacy Through the Integration of Challenge Based on Differentiated Learning with STEAM Based Website,” Unnes J. Math. Educ., vol. 13, no. 3, pp. 276–291, 2024, doi: https://doi.org/10.15294/ujme.v13i3.16705.
[10] B. C. R. Putri, M. S. Hayat, and N. Khoiri, “Effectiveness of STEAM Differentiated Learning in Physics Learning of Measurement Concepts to Embody the Pancasila Student Profile Dimensions of Critical Reasoning,” J. Penelit. Pembelajaran Fis., vol. 16, no. 1, pp. 16–23, 2025, doi: DOI: https://doi.org/10.26877/jp2f.v16i1.1087.
[11] S. Satriani, F. Arriah, and A. Hidayah, “Implementation Of The Merdeka Belajar Curriculum Through The Application Of Project-Based Learning Models To Improve Student Learning Outcomes In Mathematics Learning,” MaPan J. Mat. dan Pembelajaran, vol. 10, no. 2, pp. 334–347, 2022, doi: https://doi.org/10.24252/mapan.2022v10n2a6.
[12] A. M. B. Harsono, “INNOVATION IN STEAM BASED DIFFERENTIATION LEARNING MANAGEMENT,” J. Creat. Innov. Elem. Sch., vol. 1, no. 1.
[13] A. E. Smale-Jacobse, A. Meijer, M. Helms-Lorenz, and R. Maulana, “Differentiated Instruction in Secondary Education: A Systematic Review of Research Evidence,” Front. Psychol., vol. 10, no. November, 2019, doi: 10.3389/fpsyg.2019.02366.
[14] S. Sälevä, “Integrating art in STEAM art education in a STEAM based multidisciplinary learning module,” 2025, doi: https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-2025051812990.
[15] I. R. W. Atmojo, R. Ardiansyah, D. Y. Saputri, and F. P. Adi, “The Effectiveness of STEAM-Based Augmented Reality Media in Improving the Quality of Natural Science Learning in Elementary School,” Al-Ishlah J. Pendidik., vol. 13, no. 2, pp. 821–828, 2021, doi: 10.35445/alishlah.v13i2.643.



