Problem-solving Ability of Fifth-graders in Mathematical Word Problem Rosmayasari (a*), Sufyani Prabawanto (b)
a) Departemen Pendidikan Dasar, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Jl. Dr. Setia Budhi No. 229, Bandung 40154, Indonesia
*rosmayasari_alby[at]upi.edu
b) Departemen Pendidikan Matematika, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Jl. Dr. Setia Budhi No. 229, Bandung 40154, Indonesia
sufyani[at]upi.edu
Abstract
This study aims to analyze the students^ problem-solving skills in solving daily problems that dealing with the operation of fractions. This research was conducted at a State Elementary School in Bandung City, West Java Province, Indonesia. The research method used was a qualitative approach with a narrative case study method. The sample in this study was 36 students in grade V. Data were collected from student test results, and interviews, results, between students and with teachers. Data analysis was performed using interpretational analysis. The results show that the fifth-grade still having difficulty in understanding the problems. Other interesting findings are: (1) Some students still do not understand the rules or how to change mixed numbers into ordinary fractions or vice versa. (2) Some students still do not understand how to design and implement solving strategies. (3) Some students still do not understand the concepts and procedure of the counting operations, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. (4) Some students do not conclude the final result from the answer to the story problem. (5) Some students do not validate the question of the story problem, she/he just give mathematical solution answers
Keywords: Problem-solving skills- word problems- operational of fractions
