Mathematical Communication Skills of Junior High School Students in Solving Straight Line Equation Problems based on Learning Interest Willy Abdul Ghany (a*), Endang Cahya Mulyaning A (b), Dadang Juandi (b)
a) School of Postgraduates, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia
Jl. Dr. Setiabudhi, No. 229, Bandung 40154, Indonesia
*willyghany[at]upi.edu
b) Mathematics Education Department, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia
Jl. Dr. Setiabudhi, No. 229, Bandung 40154, Indonesia
Abstract
One of skills that students must have to compete in the 21st century is communication skills, including mathematical communication skills. In short, mathematical communication skills is ability of students to convey their mathematical ideas. However, the facts show that mathematical communication skills of junior high school students are still relatively low. This problem is closely related to learning interest. This study aims to analyze and describe the mathematical communication skills of junior high school students in solving straight line equation problems based on learning interest. This study used a qualitative research method with a case study design. The research subjects were 33 grade VIII students from one of the junior high schools in Bandung. Collecting data using triangulation techniques from data on mathematical communication skills test about straight line equations, learning interest questionnaires, and interviews. The research findings revealed that (1) Students with very good and good interest in learning are dominant at mathematical communication skills level 3. Meanwhile, student with good enough learning interest is at mathematical communication skills level 2 and student with poor learning interests is at mathematical communication skills level 3. (2) Students with very good learning interest do not guarantee to have good mathematical communication skills. Likewise, students with poor learning interests are possible to have mathematical communication skills which is not far from those of students with very good learning interests.
Keywords: Mathematical Communication Skills- Learning Interest- Straight Line Equation
