Mathematical critical thinking skill and self confidence according to student’s cognitive stage

Abstract

The purpose of this survey is to examine attainment of student’s mathematical critical thinking skill (MCTS) and mathematical self confidence (MSC) according to its cognitive stage. The survey concerns with 36 eighth grade students’, test of logical thinking (TOLT), an essay MCTS test, and a MSC scale. Analysis data of this survey are computation on percentage and testing existancy of association between MCTS and MSC, and analysis rational on other findings. By using TOLT, survey invented some interesting findings among other were: a) 11 % at formal stage, 53% at transition stage, and 36 % at concrete stage; b) The survey detected that mathematical critical skill on formal stage students obtained higher grade than transition stage students and the transition stage students obtained higher grade than the grade of concrete stage students. The survey detected that Mathematical self confidence on formal stage student and transition stages have high mathematical self-confidence compared to students who are still in the concrete stage; c) There is a association between mathematical critical thinking skills with self confidence.