Schematic representation: Solving TIMSS problems in algebra content

Abstract

This study aims to describe students’ schematic representation in solving TIMSS problems in algebra content. This study uses a description method with a qualitative approach. The research subjects were 33 junior high school students in grade VIII. The results showed that not all students can use schematic representation in solving mathematical problems. Based on the results of the test, the schematic representations that appear in this study are pure schematic representations and mixed schematic representations. Pure schematic representation appears more than mixed schematic representation. Although in this study students are more likely to form pure schematic representations, researchers cannot draw conclusions that pure schematic representations are more efficient than mixed representations since there are other factors to consider such as the type and context of the problem.