Leveraging STEAM Learning and SOLO Taxonomy to Cultivate Deep Mathematical Understanding: A Conceptual Framework for Deep Learning in Primary Education

Authors

  • Dewa Made Dwicky Putra Nugraha Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Dwijendra, Indonesia
  • Ni Nyoman Sri Mastini Faculty of Teacher Training and Education, Universitas Dwijendra

Keywords:

STEAM Learning, SOLO Taxonomy, Deep Mathematical Understanding, Deep Learning, Primary Education

Abstract

Mathematics proficiency among Indonesian primary school students remains below expectations, as reflected in the 2018 PISA results showing scores significantly below the OECD average. This study proposes a conceptual framework that integrates STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) learning with the SOLO (Structure of Observed Learning Outcomes) Taxonomy to foster deeper mathematical understanding. Using a qualitative literature review approach, this research analyzes how both frameworks contribute to enhancing students’ conceptual, procedural, and metacognitive skills. STEAM promotes interdisciplinary, project-based learning rooted in real-world contexts, while the SOLO Taxonomy provides a structured progression of cognitive complexity from surface learning to extended abstraction. Findings suggest that the integration of these approaches enhances meaningful engagement, supports creativity, and improves students’ problem-solving abilities. This framework offers both theoretical and practical guidance for teachers in designing adaptive, transformative mathematics instruction aligned with 21st-century learning demands.

References

Aguilera, D. and Ortiz-Revilla, J. (2021). Stem vs. steam education and student creativity: a systematic literature review. Education Sciences, 11(7), 331. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci11070331

Alfayez, M. (2024). Availability of steam approach requirements among intermediate-stage mathematics teachers and their attitudes towards it. International Journal of Instruction, 17(1), 215-228. https://doi.org/10.29333/iji.2024.17112a

Arceo, K. (2024). Structure of observed learning outcomes (solo) taxonomy based teaching on the students cognitive learning outcome and performance. International Journal of Research Publications, 149(1). https://doi.org/10.47119/ijrp1001491520246512

Bertrand, M. and Namukasa, I. (2022). A pedagogical model for steam education. Journal of Research in Innovative Teaching & Learning, 16(2), 169-191. https://doi.org/10.1108/jrit-12-2021-0081

Caniglia, J. and Meadows, M. (2018). An application of the solo taxonomy to classify strategies used by pre-service teachers to solve “one question problems”. Australian Journal of Teacher Education, 43(9), 75-89. https://doi.org/10.14221/ajte.2018v43n9.5

Djam’an, N. and Tahmir, S. (2024). The impact of implementation of steam project on mathematics classroom learning environment. Daya Matematis Jurnal Inovasi Pendidikan Matematika, 12(1), 25. https://doi.org/10.26858/jdm.v12i1.59369

Dong, Jian & Ran, Meng. (2024). The Application and Effectiveness of Interdisciplinary Integration Education in Teaching Interior Design and Environmental Design. Applied Mathematics and Nonlinear Sciences. 9.10.2478/amns-2024-2730

Ghunaimat, M. and Alawneh, E. (2024). The effectiveness of using the solo taxonomy in acquiring students the concepts of coordinate geometry. Ijorer International Journal of Recent Educational Research, 5(3), 523-536. https://doi.org/10.46245/ijorer.v5i3.592

Henita, N., Erita, Y., Nadia, D., & Yulia, R. (2023). The effect of the steam approach on student social science learning outcomes in elementary school. Journal of Digital Learning and Distance Education, 1(9), 362-368. https://doi.org/10.56778/jdlde.v1i9.52

Hsiao, P. and Su, C. (2021). A study on the impact of steam education for sustainable development courses and its effects on student motivation and learning. Sustainability, 13(7), 3772. https://doi.org/10.3390/su13073772

Hung, C., Chen, M., & Fan, S. (2024). Enhancing occupational therapy education: evaluating the impact of a steam-based assistive technology curriculum using kirkpatrick’s four-level model. British Journal of Occupational Therapy, 87(8), 512-523. https://doi.org/10.1177/03080226241239563

Hussein, Y. (2022). Conceptual knowledge and its importance in teaching mathematics. Middle Eastern Journal of Research in Education and Social Sciences, 3(1), 50-65. https://doi.org/10.47631/mejress.v3i1.445

Irvine, J. (2021). Taxonomies in education: overview, comparison, and future directions. Journal of Education and Development, 5(2), 1. https://doi.org/10.20849/jed.v5i2.898

Ismiati, N. (2024). Implementing steam education in the independent curriculum: enhancing 21st century skills. Tadibia Islamika, 4(1), 21-27. https://doi.org/10.28918/tadibia.v4i1.7238

Kuhlthau, C. C., Maniotes, L. K., & Caspari, A. K. (2015). Guided Inquiry Design for Your School Library. ABC-CLIO.

Marisa Correia, Teresa Ribeirinha, David Beirante, Raquel Santos, Liliana Ramos, Isabel Simões Dias... & Maria Clara Martins. (2024). Outdoor STEAM Education: Opportunities and Challenges. Education Sciences (7),688-688.

Martín-Cudero, D., Cid, A., & Guede-Cid, R. (2024). Analysis of mathematics education from a steam approach at secondary and pre-universitary educational levels: a systematic review. Journal of Technology and Science Education, 14(2), 507. https://doi.org/10.3926/jotse.2349

Nuringtyas, S. and Yunianta, T. (2019). A the description of the ninth grade junior high school students’ cognitive ability in completing the two linear variables equation viewed from solo taxonomy. Al-Jabar Jurnal Pendidikan Matematika, 10(1), 21-36. https://doi.org/10.24042/ajpm.v10i1.3743

OECD. (2019). PISA 2018 Results: What Students Know and Can Do. Paris: OECD Publishing.

Okwara, V. and Pretorius, J. (2023). The steam vs stem educational approach: the significance of the application of the arts in science teaching for learners' attitudes change. Journal of Culture and Values in Education, 6(2), 18-33. https://doi.org/10.46303/jcve.2023.6

Pratiwi, I. and Khotimah, R. (2022). Implementation of steam-based mathematics learning at junior high school during the pandemic. Al-Ishlah Jurnal Pendidikan, 14(4), 7163-7174. https://doi.org/10.35445/alishlah.v14i4.2324

Quigley, C., Herro, D., & Jamil, F. (2017). Developing a conceptual model of steam teaching practices. School Science and Mathematics, 117(1-2), 1-12. https://doi.org/10.1111/ssm.12201

Rozhana, K., Atmaja, A., Irianti, N., Sari, N., & Avalentina, K. (2023). Implementation of the steam model in mathematics subjects to improve learning outcomes. Jurnal Bidang Pendidikan Dasar, 7(2), 142-148. https://doi.org/10.21067/jbpd.v7i2.8540

Sanz-Camarero, R., Ortiz-Revilla, J., & Greca, I. (2023). The impact of integrated steam education on arts education: a systematic review. Education Sciences, 13(11), 1139. https://doi.org/10.3390/educsci13111139

Setyowati, S., Cholily, Y., & Azmi, R. (2020). Analysis of mathematical communication capabilities in completing problems in matrix materials based on solo taxonomy. Mathematics Education Journal, 4(2). https://doi.org/10.22219/mej.v4i2.12832

Shen, S., Wang, S., Qi, Y., Wang, Y., & Yan, X. (2021). Teacher suggestion feedback facilitates creativity of students in steam education. Frontiers in Psychology, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.723171

Tampi, W. and Subanji, S. (2017). Proses metakognisi siswa dalam pemecahan masalah aljabar berdasarkan taksonomi solo. Jurnal Matematika, 7(1), 30. https://doi.org/10.24843/jmat.2017.v07.i01.p80

Wahba, F., Tabieh, A., & Banat, S. (2022). The power of steam activities in enhancing the level of metacognitive awareness of mathematics among students at the primary stage. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics Science and Technology Education, 18(11), em2185. https://doi.org/10.29333/ejmste/12562

Yuliandari, R. and Anggraini, D. (2021). Teaching for understanding mathematics in primary school.. https://doi.org/10.2991/assehr.k.210421.007

Downloads

Published

2025-12-30

How to Cite

Nugraha, D. M. D. P., & Mastini, N. N. S. (2025). Leveraging STEAM Learning and SOLO Taxonomy to Cultivate Deep Mathematical Understanding: A Conceptual Framework for Deep Learning in Primary Education. International Conference on Education for All, 3(1), 39–50. Retrieved from http://proceedings.alptkptm.org/index.php/iceduall/article/view/73

Issue

Section

Articles