This research was motivated by the problem of low mathematical problem solving abilities in class VIII students at MTs Nuraniyah Nogosaren. This condition is caused by learning methods that predominantly rely on the role of the teacher, and is characterized by student inactivity in the learning process. This research focuses on the application of the metaphorical thinking learning approach as an alternative solution. The main aim of this research is to evaluate the positive impact of applying the metaphorical thinking approach to improving students' mathematical problem solving abilities, compared to conventional teacher-centered learning. The research method used was a quasi-experiment with a randomized control group only research design. The measuring instrument used is a test of mathematical problem solving abilities. The research results showed that the average value of students' mathematical problem solving abilities in the experimental class was 85.735 while in the control class it was 71.625. After testing the hypothesis using the t-test with a significance level of α = 0.05 and a confidence interval of 95%, the calculated t value was obtained at 4.066 which exceeds the t table value of 2.015. Thus, it can be concluded that the null hypothesis () is rejected and the alternative hypothesis () is accepted. These results indicate that the mathematical problem solving abilities of students who follow the metaphorical thinking approach are higher than students who follow conventional learning on the material.

Keywords: Metaphorical Thinking; Mathematical Reasoning Ability.