Students’ concept formation stages in solving geometry problem based on personality types

Abstract

Concept formation stages play an important role in developing mathematics learning. This study examined students’ concept formation stages, namely heap, complex, and concept toward Keirsey’s personality types. Twenty one students from a class were given the personality test and mathematics ability test. Regarding the test’s result, four students with higher mathematics achievement and represented each type of personality was selected as the subject of research. The data were collected from the geometry problem and interviews. The students’ concept formation stage was described based on problem solving behaviour that revealed certain stage. The results underlined that rational, guardian, and artisan students were in the complex stage. In the other hand, idealist student was in the concept stage. Rational student solved the given problem using symbol and formula directly. Idealist student solved the problem not only using symbol and formula but also representation. Artisan student solved the problem using representation and make it concrete by comparing to the other familiar figure. Guardian student solved the problem using concrete and structured ways. Regarding the diverse ways in solving problem, it suggested teachers to train the students to get used to solve any geometry problem creatively by considering students’ concept formation and personality type.