EFFECTIVENESS OF A WORDPRESS-BASED MATHEMATICS LEARNING PLATFORM ON STUDENTS' CONCEPTUAL UNDERSTANDING: A STUDY ON LINEAR EQUATIONS

Abstract

This study investigates the effectiveness of a WordPress-based mathematics learning platform in improving junior high school students' conceptual understanding of Linear Equations. Using a Research and Development (R&D) approach with the 4D model (Define, Design, Develop, Disseminate), the platform was developed and tested at SMP IT Bustanul Ulum, Terbanggi Besar, Lampung Tengah. Effectiveness was measured through a pretest-posttest design with N-Gain analysis across five BSNP conceptual understanding indicators: (1) restating concepts, (2) classifying objects, (3) providing examples, (4) presenting concepts in various representations, and (5) applying concepts to problem-solving. The results showed an overall N-Gain score of 0.62 (moderate category), indicating a significant improvement in students' conceptual understanding. The highest gain was recorded in the indicator "presenting concepts in various representations" (N-Gain = 0.71), while the lowest was in "restating concepts" (N-Gain = 0.51). Student response surveys yielded a practicality score of 85.4% (highly practical category). These findings confirm that the WordPress-based platform is an effective digital learning medium for enhancing mathematics conceptual understanding in junior high school settings.