Instructional Design for Problem-Based Learning in Mathematics Education: A Descriptive Evidence-Mapping Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.61255/jupiter.v4i4.2044Keywords:
Descriptive evidence mapping, Instructional design, Mathematics education, Problem-based learningAbstract
Purpose: This study mapped problem-based learning (PBL) instructional configurations in mathematics education and the cognitive and affective outcomes examined across educational levels.
Methods: A descriptive evidence-mapping review used a previously assembled 2015–2023 literature inventory identified through Scopus, Google Scholar, and Publish or Perish. The reported selection process contained 39 entries. Because complete search strings, the final search date, and stage-specific exclusion reasons were unavailable, these details were not reconstructed. A source-level scope audit excluded four entries whose mathematics relevance could not be established confidently, leaving 35 studies for analysis.
Findings: The analytical set comprised five elementary, 15 junior high school, 11 senior high school, and four higher education studies. Configurations included PBL without a named additional approach, culturally contextualized designs, technology-supported formats, and strategy-linked arrangements. Outcomes included problem solving, critical thinking, mathematical literacy, communication, retention, motivation, and self-efficacy; comparator advantages and nonsignificant affective findings were also present.
Research Implications: The synthesis supports explicit alignment among problem tasks, instructional supports, comparators, and assessment, while avoiding claims of uniform PBL superiority.
Originality: The review connects educational level, instructional configuration, and outcome domain in a common descriptive map while making limitations in the available review record explicit.
Abstract views: 27
, 
PDF downloads: 26
Downloads
References
Ahamad, S. N. S. H., Li, H. C., Shahrill, M., & Prahmana, R. C. I. (2018). Implementation of problem-based learning in geometry lessons. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 943(1), Article 012008. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/943/1/012008
Ahdhianto, E., Marsigit, Haryanto, & Nurfauzi, Y. (2020). Improving fifth-grade students’ mathematical problem-solving and critical thinking skills using problem-based learning. Universal Journal of Educational Research, 8(5), 2012–2021. https://doi.org/10.13189/ujer.2020.080539
Aini, N. R., Syafril, S., Netriwati, N., Pahrudin, A., Rahayu, T., & Puspasari, V. (2019). Problem-based learning for critical thinking skills in mathematics. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1155(1), Article 012026. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1155/1/012026
Ajai, J. T., & Imoko, B. I. (2015). Gender differences in mathematics achievement and retention scores: A case of problem-based learning method. International Journal of Research in Education and Science, 1(1), 45–50. https://www.ijres.net
Al Said, R. S., Du, X., Al Khatib, H. A. H. M., Romanowski, M. H., & Barham, A. I. I. (2019). Math teachers’ beliefs, practices, and belief change in implementing problem-based learning in Qatari primary governmental school. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science and Technology Education, 15(5), Article em1710. https://doi.org/10.29333/ejmste/105849
Alt, D., Weinberger, A., Heinrichs, K., & Naamati-Schneider, L. (2023). The role of goal orientations and learning approaches in explaining digital concept mapping utilization in problem-based learning. Current Psychology, 42(17), 14175–14190. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-021-02613-7
Amalia, E., Surya, E., & Syahputra, E. (2017). The effectiveness of using problem-based learning (PBL) in mathematics problem-solving ability for junior high school students. International Journal of Advance Research and Innovative Ideas in Education, 3(2), 3402–3406. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/318982082
Amin, A. K., Degeng, N. S., Setyosari, P., & Djatmika, E. T. (2021). The effectiveness of mobile blended problem-based learning on mathematical problem solving. International Journal of Interactive Mobile Technologies, 15(1), 119–141. https://doi.org/10.3991/IJIM.V15I01.17437
Arifin, S., Setyosari, P., Sa’dijah, C., & Kuswandi, D. (2020). The effect of problem-based learning by cognitive style on critical thinking skills and students’ retention. Journal of Technology and Science Education, 10(2), 271–281. https://doi.org/10.3926/JOTSE.790
Astriani, N., Surya, E., & Syahputra, E. (2017). The effect of problem-based learning to students’ mathematical problem-solving ability. International Journal of Advance Research and Innovative Ideas in Education, 3(2), 3441–3446. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/318562413
Botty, H. M. R. H., Shahrill, M., Jaidin, J. H., Li, H.-C., & Chong, M. S. F. (2016). The implementation of problem-based learning (PBL) in a Year 9 mathematics classroom: A study in Brunei Darussalam. International Research in Education, 4(2), 34–47. https://www.macrothink.org/journal/index.php/ire/article/view/9466
Darhim, Prabawanto, S., & Susilo, B. E. (2020). The effect of problem-based learning and mathematical problem posing in improving student’s critical thinking skills. International Journal of Instruction, 13(4), 103–116. https://doi.org/10.29333/iji.2020.1347a
Eviyanti, C. Y., Surya, E., Syahputra, E., & Simbolon, M. (2017). Improving the students’ mathematical problem-solving ability by applying problem-based learning model in VII grade at SMPN 1 Banda Aceh Indonesia. International Journal of Novel Research in Education and Learning, 4(2), 138–144. https://www.noveltyjournals.com/issue/IJNREL/Issue-2-March-2017-April-2017
Fery, M. F., Wahyudin, & Tatang, H. (2017). Improving primary students’ mathematical literacy through problem-based learning and direct instruction. Educational Research and Reviews, 12(4), 212–219. https://doi.org/10.5897/ERR2016.3072
Hafiz, M., Darhim, & Dahlan, J. A. (2017). Comparison of mathematical resilience among students with problem-based learning and guided discovery learning model. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 895(1), Article 012098. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/895/1/012098
Hendriana, H., Johanto, T., & Sumarmo, U. (2018). The role of problem-based learning to improve students’ mathematical problem-solving ability and self-confidence. Journal on Mathematics Education, 9(2), 291–300.
Kaharuddin, A. (2018). Effect of problem-based learning model on mathematical learning outcomes of 6th grade students of elementary school accredited B in Kendari City. International Journal of Trends in Mathematics Education Research, 1(2), 43–46. https://doi.org/10.33122/ijtmer.v1i2.14
LaForce, M., Noble, E., & Blackwell, C. (2017). Problem-based learning (PBL) and student interest in STEM careers: The roles of motivation and ability beliefs. Education Sciences, 7(4), Article 92. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci7040092
Malasari, P. N., Nindiasari, H., & Jaenudin. (2017). A development of mathematical connecting ability of students in junior high school through a problem-based learning with course review horay method. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 812(1), Article 012025. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/812/1/012025
Malmia, W., Makatita, S. H., Lisaholit, S., Azwan, A., Magfirah, I., Tinggapi, H., & Umanailo, M. C. B. (2019). Problem-based learning as an effort to improve student learning outcomes. International Journal of Scientific & Technology Research, 8(9), 1140–1143.
Maulidiya, M., & Nurlaelah, E. (2019). The effect of problem-based learning on critical thinking ability in mathematics education. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1157(4), Article 042063. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1157/4/042063
Mulyanto, H., Gunarhadi, & Indriayu, M. (2018). The effect of problem-based learning model on student mathematics learning outcomes viewed from critical thinking skills. International Journal of Educational Research Review, 3(2), 37–45. https://doi.org/10.24331/ijere.408454
Napitupulu, E. E., Suryadi, D., & Kusumah, Y. S. (2016). Cultivating upper secondary students’ mathematical reasoning ability and attitude towards mathematics through problem-based learning. Journal on Mathematics Education, 7(2), 117–128.
Nasution, M. L., Yerizon, Y., & Gusmiyanti, R. (2018). Students’ mathematical problem-solving abilities through the application of learning models problem-based learning. IOP Conference Series: Materials Science and Engineering, 335(1), Article 012117. https://doi.org/10.1088/1757-899X/335/1/012117
Peranginangin, S. A., Saragih, S., & Siagian, P. (2019). Development of learning materials through PBL with Karo culture context to improve students’ problem-solving ability and self-efficacy. International Electronic Journal of Mathematics Education, 14(2), 265–274. https://doi.org/10.29333/iejme/5713
Perwitasari, D., & Surya, E. (2017). The development of learning material using problem-based learning to improve mathematical communication ability of secondary school students. International Journal of Sciences: Basic and Applied Research, 33(3), 200–207. https://gssrr.org/JournalOfBasicAndApplied/article/view/7382
Ramadhani, R., & Narpila, S. D. (2018). Problem-based learning method with GeoGebra in mathematical learning. International Journal of Engineering & Technology, 7(3.2), 774–777. https://www.sciencepubco.com/index.php/IJET/article/download/18753/8566/90155
Ramadhani, R., Bina, N. S., Sihotang, S. F., Narpila, S. D., & Mazaly, M. R. (2020). Students’ critical mathematical thinking abilities through flip-problem-based learning model based on LMS-Google Classroom. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1657(1), Article 012025. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1657/1/012025
Ramadhani, R., Huda, S., & Umam, R. (2019). Problem-based learning, its usability and critical view as educational learning tools. Journal of Gifted Education and Creativity, 6(3), 219–231.
Ramadhani, R., Umam, R., Abdurrahman, A., & Syazali, M. (2019). The effect of flipped-problem-based learning model integrated with LMS-Google Classroom for senior high school students. Journal for the Education of Gifted Young Scientists, 7(2), 137–158. https://doi.org/10.17478/jegys.548350
Rattanatumma, T., & Puncreobutr, V. (2016). Assessing the effectiveness of STAD model and problem-based learning in mathematics learning achievement and problem-solving ability. Journal of Education and Practice, 7(12), 194–199. https://www.iiste.org/Journals/index.php/JEP/article/view/29885
Schettino, C. (2016). Framework for problem-based learning: Teaching mathematics with a relational problem-based pedagogy. Interdisciplinary Journal of Problem-Based Learning, 10(2). https://doi.org/10.7771/1541-5015.1602
Siagian, M. V., Saragih, S., & Sinaga, B. (2019). Development of learning materials oriented on problem-based learning model to improve students’ mathematical problem-solving ability and metacognition ability. International Electronic Journal of Mathematics Education, 14(2), 331–340. https://doi.org/10.29333/iejme/5717
Sihaloho, R. R., Sahyar, S., & Ginting, E. M. (2017). The effect of problem-based learning (PBL) model toward student’s creative thinking and problem-solving ability in senior high school. IOSR Journal of Research & Method in Education, 7(4), 11–18. https://doi.org/10.9790/7388-0704011118
Simamora, R. E., Sidabutar, D. R., & Surya, E. (2017). Improving learning activity and students’ problem-solving skill through problem-based learning (PBL) in junior high school. International Journal of Sciences: Basic and Applied Research, 33(2), 321–331. https://www.gssrr.org/JournalOfBasicAndApplied/article/view/7368
Suparman, Juandi, D., & Tamur, M. (2021). Review of problem-based learning trends in 2010–2020: A meta-analysis study of the effect of problem-based learning in enhancing mathematical problem-solving skills of Indonesian students. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1722(1), Article 012103. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/1722/1/012103
Surya, E., & Syahputra, E. (2017). Improving high-level thinking skills by development of learning PBL approach on the learning mathematics for senior high school students. International Education Studies, 10(8), 12–20. https://doi.org/10.5539/ies.v10n8p12
Surya, E., Syahputra, E., & Juniati, N. (2018). Effect of problem-based learning toward mathematical communication ability and self-regulated learning. Journal of Education and Practice, 9(6), 14–23. https://www.iiste.org/Journals/index.php/JEP/article/view/41143
Susanti, G., & Rustam, A. (2018). The effectiveness of learning models realistic mathematics education and problem-based learning toward mathematical reasoning skills at students of junior high school. Journal of Mathematics Education, 3(1). https://doi.org/10.31327/jomedu.v3i1.534
Tanjung, D. F., Syahputra, E., & Irvan, I. (2020). Problem-based learning, discovery learning, and open-ended models: An experiment on mathematical problem-solving ability. JTAM | Jurnal Teori dan Aplikasi Matematika, 4(1), 9. https://doi.org/10.31764/jtam.v4i1.1736
Wardono, Waluya, S. B., Mariani, S., & Candra, S. D. (2016). Mathematics literacy on problem-based learning with Indonesian realistic mathematics education approach assisted e-learning Edmodo. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 693(1), Article 012014. https://doi.org/10.1088/1742-6596/693/1/012014
Widyatiningtyas, R., Kusumah, Y. S., Sumarmo, U., & Sabandar, J. (2015). The impact of problem-based learning approach to senior high school students’ mathematics critical thinking ability. Journal on Mathematics Education, 6(2), 107–116. https://doi.org/10.22342/jme.6.2.2165.107-116
Yuniara, P., & Surya, E. (2017). Application of problem-based learning to students’ improving on mathematics concept of ability. International Journal of Sciences: Basic and Applied Research, 33(3), 261–269. https://www.gssrr.org/JournalOfBasicAndApplied/article/view/7474
Zetriuslita, Z., Wahyudin, W., & Jarnawi, J. (2017). Mathematical critical thinking and curiosity attitude in problem-based learning and cognitive conflict strategy: A study in number theory course. International Education Studies, 10(7), 65. https://doi.org/10.5539/ies.v10n7p65
Downloads
Published
How to Cite
Issue
Section
License
Copyright (c) 2026 Hajerina, Kasmudin Mustapa
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International License.
