Difficulties in learning algebra: An analysis of students’ errors

Abstract

Algebra is an important domain that first studied at the junior high school. This domain will be useful in obtaining the concept of another domain. However, learning algebra in the early grades has some challenges for students. This study aims to describe students’ difficulties when learning algebra in the early grade. This study is a qualitative research with phenomenology approach. Participants in this study are 65 students from junior high schools in Bantul Regency, Province of Special Region of Yogyakarta, Indonesia. The data collected used test. Data are analyzed using Milles & Huberman Model, with reduction, data display and verification. The results of the analysis show that students’ difficulties in learning algebra are (1) understanding the problem;(2) understanding meaning of variables and;(3) operation algebra. Therefore, the teachers’ strategy to teach algebra material have to developed to minimize students’ difficulties in learning algebra.