Conceptual Thinking Profile of Mathematics Education Department Female Student in Solving Problems

Abstract

This research described the conceptual thinking of female student in solving math problems. The research subject was a female student of Mathematics Education who had the upper middle category of mathematics ability. This research was an exploratory research with a qualitative descriptive approach. The data were collected through problem solving tasks and in-depth task-based interviews. The validity of the data was done through continuous observation, time triangulation, and member check. Data analysis was carried out through several stages, namely data categorization, data reduction, data presentation, data interpretation, and conclusions. The results showed that in understanding the problem, the female student made symbolic and pictorial representations separately. She mentioned the concept while drawing. In making plans, the female student’s strategies were based on certain concepts and were related to problem questions, so that the plan of solving steps was not yet complete. In implementing the plan, the female student determined the initial steps for solving certain concepts that can be resolved and linked them to the problem questions. She did the problem solving partially based on the relationship between concepts, so that the problem solving steps were less systematic.