Students- Algebraic Thinking: A Study of Mathematical Modelling Competencies
Fauziah Fakhrunisa (a*), Aan Hasanah (a)
a) Department of Mathematics Education, Pascasarjana, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Jl. Dr. Setiabudhi No. 229, Bandung 40154, Indonesia
*fauziahfakhrunisa[at]upi.edu
Abstract
There are several components that show the process of algebraic thinking on students in solving problems. One of these components is the process of using algebra as a tool for doing mathematical modelling. This study aims to reveal how the students- competency in making mathematical modelling to solve algebraic problem. Descriptive qualitative study design was used to obtain an overview of the mathematical modelling competencies of nine students (15-16 years old) in Pekanbaru, Riau Province. Each participant is given a test that contains algebraic problem. The results of this study show that when students do mathematical modelling there are several errors as follows: (1) mistake in making assumptions for the problem and simplify the situation; (2) mistake in recognize quantities that influence the situation, to identify the key variable; (3) mistake in construct relation between variable; and (4) mistake in solving question within mathematical modelling.
Keywords: Algebraic thinking; Mathematical modelling competencies
Topic: Mathematics Education