An analysis mathematical problem solving and mathematical critical thinking skills of junior high school students

Abstract

This article describes mathematical problem solving and critical thinking skills and examines the relationship between junior high school students’ problem solving skills and critical thinking skills in learning mathematics. The research samples consisted of thirty-six students at the age of 13 to 14 having mathematical abilities on above average who were selected through purposive random sampling technique from one public junior high school of Yogyakarta. Data were obtained from tests of problem solving skills and critical thinking skills. Both instruments are essay questions. Quantitative analysis is used to determine level of problem solving skills, level of critical thinking skills, and relationship between them. The results revealed that the average of students’ problem solving skills and mathematical critical thinking skills was in the medium criteria where critical thinking skills were slightly higher than problem solving skills. Besides, the relationship between them belonged to medium category.