Students’ learning obstacle in the topic of social arithmetic

Abstract

This study aims to describe the learning obstacle faced by students in solving social arithmetic problems. The research method used a qualitative method with a case study design. The data were taken from 32 students of grade 7, a junior high school in Batang Hari, Jambi. Data collection techniques used were a written test and interview with both students and the teacher. The data collection instrument used was a test of the conceptual understanding of the topic of social arithmetic and interview guidelines. The results of the research showed that there are learning obstacles faced by students in solving problems related to social arithmetic, namely ontogenic obstacles (mental readiness), epistemological obstacles (limited context), and didactical obstacles (effected by the didactic system).