Analysis of student’s mathematical connection and communication in algebra: the exponential equations

Abstract

Mathematical connection, an ability to connecting prior knowledge with the new one to get profound meaning, with mathematical communication, both are considered as key success in learning algebra. In this article, we report result of a study that aims to analyzing student’s mathematical connection and communication on solving algebraic problems. An individual written test on exponential equation tasks was administrated based on mathematical connection and communication aspect, then followed by interview to gain further information and finally, we analyzing student solution strategies in the light of mathematical connection and communication. This study took a sample of 30 grade X (ten) students (15-16 years old) on a senior high school in West Java. The result of this research shows that student’s mathematical connection and communication is still low. We found that most of the students still have problems in building connections with the materials that have been studied and in expressing correct mathematical concept. This findings indicate that the students still need intensive guidance in mathematical connection and communication in order to improve their ability in solving the mathematics problem. For further investigation, we consider to promote the teaching method or strategy to enhance both mathematical connection and communication as well.