Students’ mathematical communication abilities in solving geometry problems viewed from learning styles

Abstract

The purpose of this research is to describe student mathematical communication abilities in solving the problem of material transformation (reflection and rotation) in terms of student learning styles. This research is a qualitative descriptive study. The subjects consisted of 6 classes of IX students in Wonogiri 7 Junior High School who were selected by purposive sampling. Data collection tools used were written tests of communication abilities and questionnaires to categorize students based on their learning styles and interviews. The data validity of the data used triangulation method. Analysis of this data shows that the communication of visual students can meet indicators: 1) Reflecting and answering about mathematical concepts; 2) Connecting daily news with language mathematics symbols; 3) Expressing and evaluating into mathematical theory; 4) Using mathematical opinions to make detailed conjectures. The mathematical communication of the auditory students can meet the indicators: 2) Connecting daily news with language mathematics symbols; 3) Expressing and evaluating into mathematical theory; 4) Using mathematical opinions to make detailed conjectures. The mathematical communication of kinesthetic students can meet indicators: 1) Reflecting and answering about mathematical concepts; 3) Expressing and evaluating into mathematical theory. This shows that dominant students have mathematical communication abilities with visual learning styles caused by students who were being able to communicate their mathematical ideas connected in their daily lives.