Analysis of junior high school students’ spatial ability based on Van Hiele’s level of geometrical thinking for the topic of triangle similarity

Abstract

One of the mathematical topics that must be mastered by students is geometry. Geometry requires students to think analytically and spatially so they must have good spatial abilities. Each student has different spatial abilities in learning geometry. Several previous studies relating to spatial ability were about differences in students’ spatial abilities based on gender. However, almost no research could be found on the students’ spatial abilities based on level of geometrical thinking. This condition raises research questions about description of students’ spatial abilities based on Van Hiele’s level of geometrical thinking. Therefore, this study aims to identify students’ spatial abilities based on Van Hiele’s level of geometrical thinking. To answer the research question, we gave a written test to 25 grade IX students in one of junior high school in Bandung. Then, we conducted interviews to 3 upper group students and 3 lower group students. Data analysis was done by triangulation method. The results of this study indicated that there were variations in differences in each indicator of spatial ability based on the level of Van Hiele’s geometrical thinking. In the spatial perception, mental rotation, and spatial orientation, the maximum level achieved by students is level 2, namely 11, 5, and 3 students, respectively. Meanwhile the indicator of visualization and spatial relation, the maximum level achieved by students were level 1, namely 16 and 15 students, respectively.