EFFECTIVENESS OF REALISTIC MATHEMATICS EDUCATION: A META-ANALYSIS

Authors

  • Ernest Frimpong Akosah Akenten Appiah Menka University of skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development
  • Prof. Yarhands Dissou Arthur Akenten Appiah Menka University of skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8950-1367
  • Rev. Dr. Benjamin Adu Obeng Akenten Appiah Menka University of skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8150-2613

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.32674/dkrfgy81

Keywords:

Realistic Mathematics Education;, Mathematics Achievement;, Meta-Analysis; , Forest Plot; Funnel Plot, Pedagogical Innovation

Abstract

This study uses a meta-analysis of 15 studies (2014–2023) to assess the effectiveness of the Realistic Mathematics Education (RME) approach in improving students’ mathematics achievement. RME, which emphasizes real-life contexts and student-centered learning, showed a significant overall effect size (Hedges’ g = 0.65). Despite variability across studies, no major publication bias was detected, and consistent positive impacts were observed. The findings support the integration of RME into curricula, particularly in regions with persistent underperformance in mathematics. The study recommends improved teacher training, development of RME-based materials, and wider adoption of RME, along with further research into its long-term and cross-cultural impact.

Author Biographies

  • Prof. Yarhands Dissou Arthur , Akenten Appiah Menka University of skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development

    YARHANDS DISSOU ARTHUR, Ph.D is an Associate Professor lecturering in Mathematics Education Department of faculty of applied science and mathematics education at Akenten Appiah – Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED), Kumasi-Ghana; Post Office Box 12777, Tanoso - Kumasi; email: ydarthur@aamusted.edu.gh. He is currently, the Dean of students of Faculty of Applied Sciences and Mathematics Education. His research focuses on History of mathematics, STEM education, ethnomathematics, structural equation modeling, and problem-solving.

  • Rev. Dr. Benjamin Adu Obeng, Akenten Appiah Menka University of skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development

    BENJAMIN ADU OBENG, Ph.D is a Reverend minister of God and a lecturer in Mathematics Education Department of faculty of applied science and mathematics education at Akenten Appiah – Menka University of Skills Training and Entrepreneurial Development (AAMUSTED), Kumasi-Ghana; Post Office Box 12777, Tanoso - Kumasi; email: baduobeng@aamusted.edu.gh His research focuses on Psychology of learning, STEM education, statistics, mathematics curriculum, and problem-solving.

     

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Published

2025-11-28

Issue

2026: Online First : American Journal of STEM Education

Section

Systematic Reviews

How to Cite

Akosah, E. F., Dissou Arthur , A. ., & Adu Obeng, B. . (2025). EFFECTIVENESS OF REALISTIC MATHEMATICS EDUCATION: A META-ANALYSIS. American Journal of STEM Education. https://doi.org/10.32674/dkrfgy81