Implementation of a Dual Curriculum for Strengthening Students’ Numeracy Competence: A Mixed-Methods Case Study

• Jose Bonatua Hasibuan

  Indonesia University of Education

  Author

• Deni Darmawan

  Indonesia University of Education

  Author

• Suhendra

  Indonesia University of Education

  Author

• Deni Kurniawan

  Indonesia University of Education

  Author

Numeracy is a key 21st-century competency that enables students to apply mathematical understanding in real-life contexts. However, despite continuous curriculum reforms, Indonesian students’ numeracy performance remained below international standards as shown in national and global assessments. Limited studies had explored how the integration of international curricula contributed to improving numeracy learning in Indonesian schools. This study analyzed the implementation of a dual curriculum integrating the Indonesian National Curriculum and the Singapore Curriculum and its impact on strengthening secondary students’ numeracy competence. A mixed-methods approach with a case study design was employed at a private high school in Pekanbaru that consistently applied both curricula. Data were collected through an AKM-based numeracy test, in-depth interviews, classroom observations, and document analysis of curriculum and textbooks. The findings revealed that students were strong in procedural skills, particularly in algebra, but still struggled with reasoning, mathematical communication, and open-ended problem solving. These challenges were influenced by limited reading literacy, dominance of procedural exercises, and insufficient exposure to contextual problems. Document analysis showed that the Singapore Curriculum emphasized problem solving and spiral content structure, while the Indonesian Curriculum focused more on conceptual mastery and logical thinking. The study highlighted the need to strengthen reasoning-based and contextual numeracy learning through adaptive textbooks, continuous teacher training, and reflective teaching practices within dual curriculum implementation.

• pdf