Abstract
<jats:p>ABSTRACT Mathematics learning in elementary schools is still faced with challenges in facilitating students’ understanding of abstract concepts, particularly in the topic of weight comparison. This issue is related to limited opportunities for direct learning experiences and the minimal use of concrete learning media. This study aims to describe the implementation of the Contextual Teaching and Learning (CTL) approach based on a simple balance tool and to examine students’ understanding of weight comparison concepts. The study employed a descriptive qualitative approach involving 31 second-grade students at SDIT Al Munawwarah. Data were collected through observation, interviews, and documentation, and were systematically analyzed through data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The findings indicate that learning activities integrating real-life contexts with the use of a balance tool help students develop a more concrete understanding of the concept. Students were not only able to compare weights accurately but also to explain their reasoning based on direct observations. In addition, student engagement during the learning process was more active than before. These findings suggest that integrating a contextual approach with simple learning media is an effective and practical strategy with broad potential to improve the quality of mathematics learning in elementary schools. ABSTRAK Pembelajaran matematika di sekolah dasar masih dihadapkan pada tantangan dalam memfasilitasi pemahaman siswa terhadap konsep abstrak, khususnya pada materi perbandingan berat. Permasalahan ini berkaitan dengan terbatasnya pengalaman belajar langsung serta minimnya pemanfaatan media konkret dalam pembelajaran. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mendeskripsikan penerapan pendekatan Contextual Teaching and Learning (CTL) berbasis alat keseimbangan sederhana serta mengkaji pemahaman siswa terhadap konsep perbandingan berat. Penelitian menggunakan pendekatan kualitatif deskriptif dengan melibatkan 31 siswa kelas II SDIT Al Munawwarah. Data penelitian dikumpulkan melalui teknik observasi, wawancara, dan dokumentasi, kemudian diolah secara sistematis melalui tahapan reduksi data, penyajian data, serta penarikan kesimpulan. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa pembelajaran yang memadukan konteks nyata dengan penggunaan alat keseimbangan mampu membantu siswa membangun pemahaman konsep secara lebih konkret. Siswa tidak hanya mampu menentukan perbandingan berat secara tepat, tetapi juga dapat mengemukakan alasan berdasarkan hasil pengamatan. Selain itu, keterlibatan siswa selama pembelajaran berlangsung terlihat lebih aktif dibandingkan sebelumnya. Temuan ini menegaskan bahwa integrasi pendekatan kontekstual dengan media sederhana merupakan strategi pembelajaran yang efektif, aplikatif, dan berpotensi luas untuk meningkatkan kualitas pembelajaran matematika di sekolah dasar.</jats:p>