Mathematical problem-solving skills of junior high school students

Abstract

Student problem-solving skill is the focus of mathematics learning. Students are expected to have specified skills to solve mathematical problems. This study aimed to describe students’ mathematical problem-solving skills at a junior high school in Calang. The method used in this study was qualitative. Two year-9 students were selected by purposive sampling as the participants. Data collection was conducted using a test and interview. The test comprised mathematical problems, aiming to determine students’ ability to solve the problems. The interview was conducted to verify the students’ answer, as some indicators were not fulfilled without the interview. The results showed that the students’ mathematical problem-solving skills were poor. The students did not understand the problems well. They had a plan for solving the problems, but it was not in line with the concept. Their problem-solving implementation was not in order, and they did not recheck their solution. This finding implies that teachers need to pay attention to students’ skills in solving non-routine problems. Teachers should use contextual word problems that are directly related to students’ daily life so that students feel familiar with the questions.