Mathematical Problem Solving Abilities of Junior High School Students based on Cognitive Style
Laila Rahmi (a*), Dadan Dasari (b), Dian Usdiyana (b)
a) Prodi Pendidikan Matematika, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Jl. Dr. Setia Budhi No. 229, Bandung 40154, Indonesia
*lailarahmi[at]upi.edu
b) Departemen Pendidikan Matematika, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Jl. Dr. Setia Budhi No. 229, Bandung 40154, Indonesia
Abstract
Problem solving ability is one of mathematics learning goals. Students problem solving abilities are good if they meet the indicator, able to solve closed mathematical problems in a mathematical context; able solve closed mathematical problems outside the mathematical context; solve open mathematical problems in a mathematical context; and solve open mathematical problems outside the mathematical context. But it was found that students problem solving abilities were still not good. This can be influenced by several factors including cognitive style and gender. The cognitive style in this study focuses on the Field Dependent (FD) and Field Independent (FI). This study conducted to analyze the influence of cognitive style and gender on students mathematical problem solving abilities. This research method was descriptive qualitative research. The subjects were six junior high school students. Students were given cognitive style tests and then problem solving abilities test. The results of tests and interviews was found that the mathematical problem solving abilities of male students with FD cognitive style were better than the mathematical problem solving abilities of male FI students. While the mathematical problem solving abilities of female students with the FI cognitive style were better than the mathematical problem solving abilities of female FD students.
Keywords: Problem Solving, Cognitive Style
Topic: Mathematics Education