Mathematical disposition ability and critical thinking: Evaluation of middle school students

Abstract

This study aims to examine the effect of the mathematical disposition of junior high school students on mathematical critical thinking skills. A quantitative approach with a correlational method used by researchers to examine both variables. Subjects were taken randomly in class. The subjects in this study were 32 students of class VIII in one of the Bandung junior high schools. The results of the study show that the mathematical disposition of junior high school students has a positive influence on mathematical critical thinking skills. Students with a positive disposition toward mathematical learning could interpret and not hesitate to express ideas. More than fifty percent of students who have a positive disposition were able to interpret and analyze the mathematical problem given. The teaching and learning process in this research is limited to circle material in junior high school and eighth grade in one of the junior high schools in Bandung city. There are still many other tendencies besides mathematical disposition, which enable students to have good critical thinking abilities, which affect student learning outcomes, one of that is students who have mathematical abilities that have been held since elementary school. This study shows that there was an influence of students ‘mathematical disposition on their ability to think critically so that to improve students’ critical thinking abilities, positive disposition abilities should be built. The ability to interpret and analyze students develop in line with passion and serious attention in learning, self-confidence, curiosity, and the courage to share opinions.