Canva-Assisted Discovery Learning Worksheets to Improve Students’ Mathematical Communication and Self-Confidence on Vocational High School

Abstract

The generally low levels of students’ mathematical communication skills and self-confidence, particularly in arithmetic sequences and series, formed the primary basis for this study. Therefore, the effectiveness of a mathematics student worksheet based on the discovery learning model needs to be examined. The Canva application is considered a promising tool for improving vocational high school students’ mathematical communication skills and self-confidence. This study was conducted using the Research and Development (R&D) method by following the development stages proposed by Borg and Gall. The participants were Grade X vocational high school students at a private school in Karawang. The instruments included validation sheets, teacher and student response questionnaires using a Likert scale, a mathematical communication skills test, and a self-confidence scale. The results showed that the developed student worksheet was rated as highly valid by content and media experts and met the criteria for being highly practical based on teacher and student responses. In addition, this mathematics student worksheet, based on the discovery learning model and supported by the Canva application, was effective, as indicated by higher N-gain scores, greater mastery in the experimental class than in the control class, and a significant increase in students’ self-confidence scores. Statistical tests confirmed that the use of this mathematics student worksheet significantly improved students’ mathematical communication skills and self-confidence compared with conventional instruction. The mathematics student worksheet, based on the discovery learning model and assisted by the Canva application, is feasible and effective as an innovative solution for vocational high school learning.