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This study aims to analyze in depth the effectiveness of Realistic Mathematics Education (RME) and ethnomathematics in improving students’ mathematical abilities through a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) approach. This study is motivated by the low level of students’ conceptual understanding, mathematical literacy, and mathematical communication skills, which are still dominated by conventional teaching approaches. Data were collected from ten research articles relevant to the topics of RME and ethnomathematics. The analyzed articles employed various research methods, including experimental research, classroom action research, and research and development (R&D). The results of the review indicate that the implementation of RME is consistently effective in enhancing students’ mathematical abilities, such as critical thinking, problem-solving, mathematical communication, and mathematical literacy. The RME approach, which is based on real-life contexts, helps students understand mathematical concepts more deeply and meaningfully. In addition, the integration of culture through ethnomathematics strengthens the effectiveness of learning by providing contexts that are closely related to students’ daily lives, thereby increasing motivation, engagement, and active participation in the learning process.Furthermore, the findings reveal that the success of culture-based RME is influenced by instructional design, the selection of appropriate contexts, and the teacher’s role in managing the learning process. Therefore, culture-based RME can be considered an effective and relevant approach to improving the quality of mathematics education.

This study aims to analyze the effect of implementing the Realistic Mathematics Education (RME) learning model on improving students' mathematical literacy, particularly in social arithmetic material at SMP Negeri 2 Wonorejo. The research used a quantitative method with a quasi-experimental design in the form of a non-equivalent control group design. The population consisted of seventh-grade students from three classes, samples selected through purposive sampling based on preliminary test results: class VII B as the control group and class VII C as the experimental group. Research instruments included a validated observation sheet on student activities and an essay-type mathematical literacy test. Data analysis was conducted using normality tests, homogeneity tests, independent t-tests, and effect size calculation. The results indicated that student activities in the RME learning model were categorized as excellent. Hypothesis testing with an independent t-test yielded tcalculated = 2.81 > ttable = 1.56. The average post-test score of the experimental group (73.00) was higher than that of the control group (50.41). The effect size calculation resulted in d = 1.75, which falls into the large effect category. Thus, it can be concluded that the RME learning model has a positive and significant influence on improving students' mathematical literacy.

This study aims to identify students' learning obstacles in the process of understanding one-variable linear equations in grade VII, develop an appropriate learning trajectory using a Realistic Mathematical Education (RME) approach, and produce an effective learning design to reduce these obstacles through generative models. The research adopts a design research methodology consisting of three main stages. The first stage, preparation for the experiment, includes a literature review and analysis of teachers’ instructional practices to develop a Hypothetical Learning Trajectory (HLT) for one-variable linear equations. The second stage, design experiment, involves testing the designed learning activities through a pilot experiment and teaching experiment. The third stage, retrospective analysis, compares actual classroom observations with the initial HLT to refine and validate the learning trajectory. The research subjects include seven grade VII students in the pilot experiment and 44 students from SMP Negeri 2 Mataram in the teaching experiment. Data collection methods include tests, observations, interviews, and documentation, with retrospective analysis used to generate a validated Local Learning Trajectory (LLT). The findings reveal several epistemological obstacles experienced by students, such as difficulties in applying fundamental arithmetic concepts (addition, subtraction, multiplication, division) within the context of linear equations. Students also struggled with concept recognition, representation, and interpretation of linear equations in various forms. The developed LLT proved effective, as students demonstrated improved understanding and were able to follow the learning sequence meaningfully. Retrospective analysis confirmed that the LLT successfully addressed and reduced students’ learning obstacles in mastering one-variable linear equations.