Analysis of students' computational thinking skills in solving algebraic problems in cultural contexts

Abstract

This research aims to find out about students' computational thinking abilities in solving algebraic problems in cultural contests. This research is qualitative research carried out at Yogyakarta Middle School. The participants involved were 31 students in the even semester of grade 7. The data sources in this research were the results of students' computational thinking tests, interviews with students who were selected based on their communication skills and the results of test answers. Data instrument testing uses validity and reliability tests with data validity using triangulation techniques. Data analysis in this study used the pullulation technique between student test results and student interview results, then data reduction, data categorization, power display and conclusion drawing were carried out. The results of this research are that students in the high category can complete all indicators of computational thinking and problem-solving abilities. Students in the medium category can only complete two indicators of computational thinking and problem-solving abilities. Students in the low category have not been able to complete all indicators of computational thinking and problem-solving abilities. The study reveals a significant variance in the computational thinking abilities among junior high school students in Piyungan Development class VIII when solving algebra problems within a cultural context. High-achieving students demonstrated proficiency across all indicators of computational thinking, effectively navigating through various stages from abstraction to solution verification. In contrast, students categorized as moderate showed partial success, managing only a subset of the indicators, while struggling with the more complex stages of problem decomposition and implementation. Meanwhile, students classified in the low category were unable to achieve any indicators of computational thinking and problem-solving skills. This indicates a clear need for targeted educational interventions to enhance computational thinking among students, particularly those who are struggling, to ensure all students can develop the necessary skills to solve problems effectively.