Representation as a Thinking Tool for Students in Solving Mathematical Problems
Wa Ode Dahiana, Tatang Herman, Elah Nurlaelah

Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia

Abstract

Abstract: Representation is a form of student interpretation from a form of mathematical idea that is considered difficult to another, simpler form so that it can be communicated or resolved more easily. Therefore, the ability of mathematical representation is very important and is an inseparable part of solving mathematical problems. Many studies examining mathematical representations with various findings have been reported. Even so, the problem of mathematical representation is still not resolved. Many research findings also reveal the weakness of students^ mathematical representation abilities. What is the real cause of the students^ weak mathematical representation ability? To answer this question, the writer is interested in studying the ability of mathematical representation by focusing on the representation function as a thinking tool or process. Because without targeting the way of thinking, students are unlikely to be independent thinkers when doing math. Therefore, this study aims to determine the description of poses and the characteristics of students^ thinking in solving mathematics (algebra) problems. The way of thinking used to determine the characteristics of students^ thinking in this study is according to Harel (2008) that the characteristics of thinking are generally divided into two groups, namely the expected way of thinking and the unexpected way of thinking. This research method is descriptive with a subject of 35 junior high school students class VII. Data collection techniques using tests. The results of the study found that most of the students were in the unexpected characteristics of the way of thinking. These findings inform teachers and other stakeholders that research on representation as a thought process needs attention and continues to be developed with various types of research.

Keywords: Mathematical representation, thinking tools, algebraic problems

Topic: Mathematics Education