Analyzing mathematical connection skill in solving a contextual problem

Abstract

Mathematical connection skill is needed by students to connect mathematics theory and contextual problem solving. As state, in NCTM that the mathematical connections skill is one of the four competencies needed to face the industrial revolution 4.0. According to NCTM, there are three mathematical connection skills, namely modeling problems, applying obtained concepts and procedures also expanding mathematics ideas. The purpose of this study was to describe the class X student’s mathematical connection skill at Boyolali High School, Central Java in doing a contextual problem in one variable linear inequality. This research was a comparative descriptive study with qualitative methods involving 15 students from 5 schools as participants. The results showed that students’ mathematical connection skill is still low. We saw this from the indicators showed that the students were unable in modeling the contextual problems correctly, students were not able in applying the obtained the concepts and procedures also getting difficulty in expanding mathematics ideas.