Pseudo Thinking Process in Understanding the Concept of Exponential Equations

Abstract

The thought process is a very interesting thing to examine in mathematics learning. Sometimes in solving questions, students’ answers are wrong not because of the wrong thinking process, as well as correct answers, it is not certain that students understand why the process was carried out. Such conditions occur because the students’ thought processes are pseudo, meaning that the thought process that occurs is not a reflection of the real thought process. The focus in this study is students who experience pseudo thinking in understanding the concept of exponential equations. The pseudo thinking categories are grouped according to the Vinner and Subanji frameworks. Based on the research results, the students’ pseudo thinking process in understanding the concept of exponential equations was shown that most students in understanding the concept of exponential equations still memorized the formula without understanding the formula. Students only think of looking for answers quickly using formulas that have been learned. If learning only emphasizes procedures and memorization, what happens learning mathematics has no meaning. In addition to memorizing procedures, it is very risky for students to forget, students are not able to use mathematics according to the actual concept.