How influential the mathematical disposition of mathematical communication skills is? (the evaluation of middle school students)

Abstract

This study aims to examine the effect of mathematical disposition of junior high school students on mathematical communication skills. This study used a correlation method with a quantitative approach. The subjects in this study were 31 student which is the eighth grade at one of the junior high schools at Bandung. The instrument used consists of a test instrument which is a test of mathematical communication skills with the indicator is forming a mathematical model; arguments based on analysis of images and concepts; and the appearance of conceptual models, such as images, diagrams, tables and graphs and non-test instruments in the form of questionnaires about students’ mathematical dispositions. The results of the study show that the mathematical disposition of junior high school students has a positive influence on mathematical communication skills. Students’ mathematical communication skills are influenced by mathematical dispositions of 74.5% and 25.5% influenced by other factors beyond students’ mathematical dispositions. This shows that the relationship between students’ dispositions and its mathematical communication skills is strong enough. Students who have a positive disposition towards mathematical learning tend to be active and can express ideas well.