Students Learning Obstacle and Their Algebraic Thinking Ability on Linear Equations and Inequalities in One Variable
Yulia Eka Rachmayunita (a), Endang Cahya Mulyaning (b), Encum Sumiaty (c)

Departement of Mathematics Education, Faculty of Mathematic and Science Education, Indonesia University of Education Jalan Dr. Setiabudi No.229, Bandung 40154, Indonesia

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to describe the algebraic thinking ability and the learning obstacles experienced by junior high school students on Linear Equations and Inequalities in One Variable. This is a qualitative research that used a phenomenological approach. The data used was collected through observation, written tests, and interviews. Based on the mathematical abilities obtained from the mathematics teacher and the written test results of 32 students, six respondents were selected for in-depth interviews. From the findings and the discussions in this research, the author found that students who have high mathematical abilities can only meet two indicators: generalization and transformation- the students with moderate mathematical abilities can only meet generalization indicators and were just about to reach the transformation stage- and last, the students with low mathematical abilities cannot fulfill all the indicators of algebraic thinking ability. The students with moderate and low mathematical abilities were identified as having learning obstacles. There were three types of learning obstacles found: ontogenic obstacle, didactical obstacle and epistemological obstacle.

Keywords: Algebraic Thinking Ability, Learning Obstacles, Linear Equations and Inequalities in One Variable

Topic: Mathematics Education