Problem Solving Ability: A case study in Postgraduate Mathematics Student (original) (raw)

Abstract

Problem solving is the ability which can be used not only to solve a simple problem but also a complicated problem. It is a skill which can be trained in every level of education. Therefore, teachers are required to be able to trill this ability and an obligation for mathematics teacher to have an excellent problem solving skills. This research aimed to explore the ability of postgraduate students to solve mathematics problems. Mathematics postgraduate student at Universitas Negeri Surabaya had been chosen as a subject. The instrument was developed based on Polya (1973). Firstly, we did literature reviews in order to explore what kind of problem solving test which could be used to mapping student ability. Moreover, we constructed a student's worksheet with high order thinking problem. It had been analysed to find out the student's ability. The result showed that students' ability in solving mathematics problem is bad. Almost 100% subjects understand about the problem, unfortunately only 50% of students are able to use the data. It is about 50% of students are able to connect their knowledge with the problem and only 60% subjects are able to make a plan and able to implement it.

Loading...

Loading Preview

Sorry, preview is currently unavailable. You can download the paper by clicking the button above.

References (8)

  1. J. Kirkley, Principles for Teaching Problem Solving, Plato Learning Center. (Online), (http://www.plato.com/downloads/papers/paper\_04.pdf), 2003.
  2. G. Polya, How to Solve It, Princenton University Press. New Jersey Princenton, 1981.
  3. Depdiknas, Peraturan Menteri Pendidikan Nasional Nomor 22 Tahun 2006 TentangStandar Isi untuk Satuan Pendidikan Dasar dan Menengah, Jakarta: Kemendiknas-Depdiknas, 2006.
  4. S. Hadi, Pendidikan Matematika Realistik dan Implementasinya, Banjarmasin: Tulip, 2005.
  5. N. S. Saad and S. A. Ghani, Teaching Mathematics in Secondary School: Theories and Practices, Perak: Universiti Pendidikan Sultan Idris, 2008.
  6. L. Misu and Rosdiana, "Pengembangan Teori Pembelajaran Perilaku Dalam Kaitannya Dengan Kemampuan Pemecahan Masalah Matematik Siswa Di SMA", Prosiding Seminar Nasional Matematika dan Pendidikan Matematika, 2013.
  7. M. Fahim and M. Pezeshki, "Manipulating Critical Thinking Skills in Test Taking", International Journal of Education, vol. 4, no. 1, pp. 153- 160, 2012.
  8. J. Carson, "A Problem With Problem Solving: Teaching Thinking Without Teaching Knowledge", The Mathematics Educator, Vol. 17, No. 2, pp. 7-14, 2007.