LOCAL WISDOM AS A MEANS TO FOSTER INDEPENDENCE IN MATHEMATICS LEARNING
Keywords:
Local wisdom; Independent learning; Mathematics learning; Ethnomathematics
Abstract
Mathematics learning is often perceived by students as difficult and abstract, leading to dependence on teacher guidance and hindering the development of independent learning. This study examines the role of local wisdom as a means to build independence in mathematics learning, specifically at SMA Negeri 1 Teluk Dalam, South Nias. Through a literature review, it was found that integrating local values and culture into the mathematics learning process not only enhances conceptual understanding contextually but also motivates students to learn independently. Local wisdom, such as geometric patterns in traditional weaving, indigenous life philosophies, and traditional building structures, can serve as relevant and engaging learning media for students. This approach helps students develop critical and creative thinking skills while boosting their confidence in solving mathematical problems. Furthermore, learning based on local wisdom strengthens students’ cultural identity and fosters pride in their local heritage. This study recommends the development of learning modules that integrate local wisdom and teacher training as efforts to optimally support students’ independent learning. The implications of this review suggest that local wisdom can be an effective strategy to improve the quality of mathematics education and the development of students’ independent character within the school environment.
References
Dazrullisa (2023) examines the impact of incorporating local wisdom into mathematics learning on students’ interest in the subject. The study, published in Genta Mulia Journal (Vol. 9, Issue 2), highlights how cultural integration can enhance student engagement. https://doi.org/10.61290/gm.v9i2.547
Dede Rua, Fono, and Wewe (2023) explore ethnomathematics-based teaching methods within educational institutions, emphasizing culturally relevant approaches to mathematics learning in their article in Citra Magang dan Persekolahan Journal (Vol. 3, Issue 1). https://doi.org/10.38048/jcmp.v3i1.4402
Ernawati, Hartawan, and Mahayukti (2023) discuss the implementation of local wisdom-oriented learning through online systems to improve mathematics achievement among eighth-grade students, as reported in IKA Journal (Vol. 21, Issue 1). https://doi.org/10.23887/ika.v21i1.47963
Fardinal (2023) provides a literature review on Kerinci local wisdom and its role in character education, focusing on humanistic approaches in schools. This article appears in Titian: Journal of Humanities (Vol. 7, Issue 1, pp. 203–214). https://doi.org/10.22437/titian.v7i1.38135
Fitriani, Nurcahyo, and Purnamasari (2024) analyze how problem-based learning strategies can enhance students’ independence in mathematics. Their findings are published in the WUNY Scientific Journal (Vol. 6, Issue 2). https://doi.org/10.21831/jwuny.v6i2.75569
Halawa, Telaumbanua, and Syahfitri (2023) study Nias cultural values as expressed in the text “Hikaja Duada Hiya,” and their role in strengthening character education grounded in local wisdom. This research is available in Educatio Journal FKIP UNMA (Vol. 9, Issue 4, pp. 2116–2130). https://doi.org/10.31949/educatio.v9i4.6095
Harefa (2025) also offers a critical evaluation of science education beyond mere calculations and formulas in Physics in the Real World, published by CV Lutfi Gilang.
Harefa (2025) introduces readers to Yahowu and Ya’ahowu, providing warm greetings from the Nias community. This article appears in KOHESI: Journal of Indonesian Language and Literature Education (Vol. 5, Issue 2, pp. 15–27). https://doi.org/10.57094/kohesi.v5i2.2559
Harefa (2025) presents an analysis of the national education philosophy as it relates to the local wisdom culture of Nias in a publication by CV Lutfi Gilang.
Harefa, D. (2025). Enhancing Environmental Conservation Skills through Science Learning that Values the Local Wisdom of Hombo Batu in the Botohilitano Indigenous Community. Global Sustainability and Community Engagement, 1(3), 119–130. Retrieved from https://iesrjournal.com/index.php/gsce/article/view/302
Harefa, D. (2025). Globalizing Hombo Batu: The Role of English in Promoting Nias Local Wisdom on the International Stage. Research on English Language Education, 7(1), 74–91. https://doi.org/10.57094/relation.v7i1.2638
Harefa, D. (2025). Hombo Batu: A Traditional Art Explained Through the Laws of Physics. FAGURU: Scientific Journal of Teacher Education Students, 4(1), 264–276. https://doi.org/10.57094/faguru.v4i1.2459
Harefa, D. (2025). Hombo Batu: The Tradition of South Nias That Teaches Courage and Cooperation. FAGURU: Scientific Journal of Teacher Education Students, 4(1), 75–84. https://doi.org/10.57094/faguru.v4i1.2454
Harefa, D. (2025). Implementation of Pancasila Character Education in Hombo Batu in South Nias. CIVIC SOCIETY RESEARCH and EDUCATION: Journal of Pancasila and Citizenship Education, 6(1), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.57094/jpkn.v6i1.2566
Harefa, D. (2025). Innovation in Social Science Learning Based on Local Wisdom: Hombo Batu as a Medium for Cultural Education in South Nias. Curve Elasticity: Journal of Economic Education, 6(1), 15–27. https://doi.org/10.57094/jpe.v6i1.2555
Harefa, D. (2025). Integrating Character Education into Science Learning to Improve Academic Achievement at SMA Teluk Dalam. Tunas: Journal of Biology Education, 6(1), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.57094/tunas.v6i1.2909
Harefa, D. (2025). Local Wisdom of Nias in Science Learning. CV Jejak (Jejak Publisher).
Harefa, D. (2025). Mathematics as a Philosophical Foundation in Hombo Batu: Exploring Nias’ Local Wisdom through the Perspective of Mathematics. Afore: Journal of Mathematics Education, 4(1), 13–26. https://doi.org/10.57094/afore.v4i1.2557
Harefa, D. (2025). The Application of Hombo Batu Local Wisdom-Based Learning to Enhance Student Discipline and Cooperation in the Nias Islands. Ndrumi: Journal of Education and Humanities, 8(1), 14–27. https://doi.org/10.57094/ndrumi.v8i1.2565
Harefa, D. (2025). The Influence of Soil Texture Types on Land Resilience to Drought in South Nias. Jurnal Sapta Agrica, 4(1), 13–30. https://doi.org/10.57094/jsa.v4i1.2585
Harefa, D. (2025). The Scope of Natural Sciences in Elementary School. CV Jejak (Jejak Publisher).
Harefa, D. (2025). Transformation of Science Education in Physics in the Industry 5.0 Era: Preparing Smart and Innovative Generations. CV Lutfi Gilang.
Harefa, D., Sutajaya, I. M., Suja, I. W., & Astawa, I. B. M. (2024). Lowalangi in the Tri Hita Karana Concept within Nias Local Wisdom. Ndrumi: Journal of Education and Humanities, 7(2), 51–61. https://doi.org/10.57094/ndrumi.v7i2.2226
Harefa, D., Sutajaya, I. M., Suja, I. W., & Astawa, I. B. M. (2024). The Moral Values of Tri Hita Karana in the Album “Keramat” by H. Rhoma Irama. Ndrumi: Journal of Education and Humanities, 7(2), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.57094/ndrumi.v7i2.2117
Hidayat, T., Fau, A., & Harefa, D.,. (2023). The Effect of the Index Card Match Learning Model on Student Learning Outcomes in Integrated Science. TUNAS: Journal of Biology Education, 4(1), 61–72. https://doi.org/10.57094/tunas.v4i1.885
Iswatiningsih, D. (2021). Strengthening Character Education Based on Local Wisdom Values in Schools. Satwika: Journal of Cultural Studies and Social Change, 3(2). https://doi.org/10.22219/satwika.v3i2.10244
Lusiana, L. (2022). Integration of Local Wisdom in Mathematics Learning Using a Contextual Learning Approach. Wahana Didaktika: Journal of Educational Sciences, 16(3). https://doi.org/10.31851/wahanadidaktika.v16i3.2171
Nisrina, H., Agustin, D. S. R., & Mahmudah, U. (2023). Ethnomathematics: Problem-Solving Analysis in Linear Programming Course Based on Local Wisdom. JMPM: Journal of Mathematics and Mathematics Education, 6(1). https://doi.org/10.26594/jmpm.v6i1.2075
Pertiwi, I., & Marsigit, M. (2017). Implementation of Character Education in Mathematics Learning at Junior High Schools in Yogyakarta City. Journal of Mathematics Education Research, 4(2), 153–165. https://doi.org/10.21831/jrpm.v4i2.11241
Rahayu, T. (2021). Development of Religious Character Values Based on Local Wisdom among Elementary School Students. Dawuh Guru: Journal of Elementary Education, 1(2), 163–176. https://doi.org/10.35878/guru.v1i2.290
Risdiana, Y. E., Sasomo, B., & Mashuri, A. (2025). Effectiveness of Contextual Approach Enriched with Local Wisdom on Students' Mathematics Learning Outcomes. Journal of Mathematics and Science Education, 13(1), 140–148. https://doi.org/10.21831/jpms.v13i1.84578
Sarumaha, M., Telaumbanua, K., & Harefa, D. (2023). Local Wisdom-Based Education in South Nias: Building Cultural Identity Among the Younger Generation. Journal of Education and Development. (Volume and Issue details to be added)
Telaumbanu, T., Dkk (2025). Transforming Aqua Plastic Bottles into Environmentally Friendly Trash Bins Based on Local Wisdom from Bawolowalangi Village. Haga: Journal of Community Service, 4(1), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.57094/haga.v4i1.2779
Wibowo, S. E., & Ardiansyah, R. (2023). Development of a Mathematics Module Based on Bima Local Wisdom to Improve Students’ Numeracy Skills. Media Pendidikan Matematika, 11(2). https://doi.org/10.33394/mpm.v11i2.9562
Widialistuti, R., Jamaris, J., & Solfema, S. (2023). Internalization in Character Building through the Application of Local Wisdom Values in Mathematics Learning at Elementary Schools. Jurnal Basicedu, 7(1). https://doi.org/10.31004/basicedu.v7i1.4332
Yuda Pratama, M., & Anwar, K. (2023). Local Wisdom in Mathematics Learning to Shape Student Character at SMPN 3 Kuripan. Didaktik: Scientific Journal of Primary School Teacher Education STKIP Subang, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.36989/didaktik.v10i1.2656
Dede Rua, Fono, and Wewe (2023) explore ethnomathematics-based teaching methods within educational institutions, emphasizing culturally relevant approaches to mathematics learning in their article in Citra Magang dan Persekolahan Journal (Vol. 3, Issue 1). https://doi.org/10.38048/jcmp.v3i1.4402
Ernawati, Hartawan, and Mahayukti (2023) discuss the implementation of local wisdom-oriented learning through online systems to improve mathematics achievement among eighth-grade students, as reported in IKA Journal (Vol. 21, Issue 1). https://doi.org/10.23887/ika.v21i1.47963
Fardinal (2023) provides a literature review on Kerinci local wisdom and its role in character education, focusing on humanistic approaches in schools. This article appears in Titian: Journal of Humanities (Vol. 7, Issue 1, pp. 203–214). https://doi.org/10.22437/titian.v7i1.38135
Fitriani, Nurcahyo, and Purnamasari (2024) analyze how problem-based learning strategies can enhance students’ independence in mathematics. Their findings are published in the WUNY Scientific Journal (Vol. 6, Issue 2). https://doi.org/10.21831/jwuny.v6i2.75569
Halawa, Telaumbanua, and Syahfitri (2023) study Nias cultural values as expressed in the text “Hikaja Duada Hiya,” and their role in strengthening character education grounded in local wisdom. This research is available in Educatio Journal FKIP UNMA (Vol. 9, Issue 4, pp. 2116–2130). https://doi.org/10.31949/educatio.v9i4.6095
Harefa (2025) also offers a critical evaluation of science education beyond mere calculations and formulas in Physics in the Real World, published by CV Lutfi Gilang.
Harefa (2025) introduces readers to Yahowu and Ya’ahowu, providing warm greetings from the Nias community. This article appears in KOHESI: Journal of Indonesian Language and Literature Education (Vol. 5, Issue 2, pp. 15–27). https://doi.org/10.57094/kohesi.v5i2.2559
Harefa (2025) presents an analysis of the national education philosophy as it relates to the local wisdom culture of Nias in a publication by CV Lutfi Gilang.
Harefa, D. (2025). Enhancing Environmental Conservation Skills through Science Learning that Values the Local Wisdom of Hombo Batu in the Botohilitano Indigenous Community. Global Sustainability and Community Engagement, 1(3), 119–130. Retrieved from https://iesrjournal.com/index.php/gsce/article/view/302
Harefa, D. (2025). Globalizing Hombo Batu: The Role of English in Promoting Nias Local Wisdom on the International Stage. Research on English Language Education, 7(1), 74–91. https://doi.org/10.57094/relation.v7i1.2638
Harefa, D. (2025). Hombo Batu: A Traditional Art Explained Through the Laws of Physics. FAGURU: Scientific Journal of Teacher Education Students, 4(1), 264–276. https://doi.org/10.57094/faguru.v4i1.2459
Harefa, D. (2025). Hombo Batu: The Tradition of South Nias That Teaches Courage and Cooperation. FAGURU: Scientific Journal of Teacher Education Students, 4(1), 75–84. https://doi.org/10.57094/faguru.v4i1.2454
Harefa, D. (2025). Implementation of Pancasila Character Education in Hombo Batu in South Nias. CIVIC SOCIETY RESEARCH and EDUCATION: Journal of Pancasila and Citizenship Education, 6(1), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.57094/jpkn.v6i1.2566
Harefa, D. (2025). Innovation in Social Science Learning Based on Local Wisdom: Hombo Batu as a Medium for Cultural Education in South Nias. Curve Elasticity: Journal of Economic Education, 6(1), 15–27. https://doi.org/10.57094/jpe.v6i1.2555
Harefa, D. (2025). Integrating Character Education into Science Learning to Improve Academic Achievement at SMA Teluk Dalam. Tunas: Journal of Biology Education, 6(1), 1–13. https://doi.org/10.57094/tunas.v6i1.2909
Harefa, D. (2025). Local Wisdom of Nias in Science Learning. CV Jejak (Jejak Publisher).
Harefa, D. (2025). Mathematics as a Philosophical Foundation in Hombo Batu: Exploring Nias’ Local Wisdom through the Perspective of Mathematics. Afore: Journal of Mathematics Education, 4(1), 13–26. https://doi.org/10.57094/afore.v4i1.2557
Harefa, D. (2025). The Application of Hombo Batu Local Wisdom-Based Learning to Enhance Student Discipline and Cooperation in the Nias Islands. Ndrumi: Journal of Education and Humanities, 8(1), 14–27. https://doi.org/10.57094/ndrumi.v8i1.2565
Harefa, D. (2025). The Influence of Soil Texture Types on Land Resilience to Drought in South Nias. Jurnal Sapta Agrica, 4(1), 13–30. https://doi.org/10.57094/jsa.v4i1.2585
Harefa, D. (2025). The Scope of Natural Sciences in Elementary School. CV Jejak (Jejak Publisher).
Harefa, D. (2025). Transformation of Science Education in Physics in the Industry 5.0 Era: Preparing Smart and Innovative Generations. CV Lutfi Gilang.
Harefa, D., Sutajaya, I. M., Suja, I. W., & Astawa, I. B. M. (2024). Lowalangi in the Tri Hita Karana Concept within Nias Local Wisdom. Ndrumi: Journal of Education and Humanities, 7(2), 51–61. https://doi.org/10.57094/ndrumi.v7i2.2226
Harefa, D., Sutajaya, I. M., Suja, I. W., & Astawa, I. B. M. (2024). The Moral Values of Tri Hita Karana in the Album “Keramat” by H. Rhoma Irama. Ndrumi: Journal of Education and Humanities, 7(2), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.57094/ndrumi.v7i2.2117
Hidayat, T., Fau, A., & Harefa, D.,. (2023). The Effect of the Index Card Match Learning Model on Student Learning Outcomes in Integrated Science. TUNAS: Journal of Biology Education, 4(1), 61–72. https://doi.org/10.57094/tunas.v4i1.885
Iswatiningsih, D. (2021). Strengthening Character Education Based on Local Wisdom Values in Schools. Satwika: Journal of Cultural Studies and Social Change, 3(2). https://doi.org/10.22219/satwika.v3i2.10244
Lusiana, L. (2022). Integration of Local Wisdom in Mathematics Learning Using a Contextual Learning Approach. Wahana Didaktika: Journal of Educational Sciences, 16(3). https://doi.org/10.31851/wahanadidaktika.v16i3.2171
Nisrina, H., Agustin, D. S. R., & Mahmudah, U. (2023). Ethnomathematics: Problem-Solving Analysis in Linear Programming Course Based on Local Wisdom. JMPM: Journal of Mathematics and Mathematics Education, 6(1). https://doi.org/10.26594/jmpm.v6i1.2075
Pertiwi, I., & Marsigit, M. (2017). Implementation of Character Education in Mathematics Learning at Junior High Schools in Yogyakarta City. Journal of Mathematics Education Research, 4(2), 153–165. https://doi.org/10.21831/jrpm.v4i2.11241
Rahayu, T. (2021). Development of Religious Character Values Based on Local Wisdom among Elementary School Students. Dawuh Guru: Journal of Elementary Education, 1(2), 163–176. https://doi.org/10.35878/guru.v1i2.290
Risdiana, Y. E., Sasomo, B., & Mashuri, A. (2025). Effectiveness of Contextual Approach Enriched with Local Wisdom on Students' Mathematics Learning Outcomes. Journal of Mathematics and Science Education, 13(1), 140–148. https://doi.org/10.21831/jpms.v13i1.84578
Sarumaha, M., Telaumbanua, K., & Harefa, D. (2023). Local Wisdom-Based Education in South Nias: Building Cultural Identity Among the Younger Generation. Journal of Education and Development. (Volume and Issue details to be added)
Telaumbanu, T., Dkk (2025). Transforming Aqua Plastic Bottles into Environmentally Friendly Trash Bins Based on Local Wisdom from Bawolowalangi Village. Haga: Journal of Community Service, 4(1), 1–14. https://doi.org/10.57094/haga.v4i1.2779
Wibowo, S. E., & Ardiansyah, R. (2023). Development of a Mathematics Module Based on Bima Local Wisdom to Improve Students’ Numeracy Skills. Media Pendidikan Matematika, 11(2). https://doi.org/10.33394/mpm.v11i2.9562
Widialistuti, R., Jamaris, J., & Solfema, S. (2023). Internalization in Character Building through the Application of Local Wisdom Values in Mathematics Learning at Elementary Schools. Jurnal Basicedu, 7(1). https://doi.org/10.31004/basicedu.v7i1.4332
Yuda Pratama, M., & Anwar, K. (2023). Local Wisdom in Mathematics Learning to Shape Student Character at SMPN 3 Kuripan. Didaktik: Scientific Journal of Primary School Teacher Education STKIP Subang, 10(1). https://doi.org/10.36989/didaktik.v10i1.2656
Published
2025-10-19
How to Cite
Harefa, D. (2025). LOCAL WISDOM AS A MEANS TO FOSTER INDEPENDENCE IN MATHEMATICS LEARNING. Afore : Jurnal Pendidikan Matematika, 4(2), 101-117. https://doi.org/10.57094/afore.v4i2.3852
Section
Articles
