Analysis of Students’ Mathematical Communication Ability Based on Kolb’s Learning Styles of Converger and Diverger Type

Abstract

Mathematical communication ability is an ability that every student must-have. Without mathematical communication ability, students will not be able to convey their mathematical ideas to others. This research aims to describe a mathematical communication ability of students who have Kolb’s Learning Styles of converger and diverger type. This study used a qualitative descriptive method. The subjects of this research are 8th grade Junior High School students who were selected using purposive sampling. The data from this research were obtained from Kolb’s learning style questionnaire, mathematical communication test, and an interview. The data validity used the triangulation method. The data analysis was performed through data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion. The result shows that the converger type student can express mathematical ideas through writing and to visually describe it, able to interpret the ideas by writing steps of problem-solving sequentially and systematically, and able to use mathematical notations in writing problem-solving. While the diverger type student is able to express mathematical ideas through writing and to visually describe it, and able to use mathematical notations in writing problem-solving.