Students’ mathematical modelling skills with the model eliciting activities (MEAs) approach on material number patterns

Abstract

This research aims for obtain a description of the student’s mathematical modelling skills after the MEAs approach was applied to the material of number patterns. This type of research is a descriptive research study to the grades VIII.1 of SMPN 56 Palembang with the total number of 27 students. Data collection techniques are carried out with written tests, interivews, dan observation. Test questions is arrenged based on indicator of the skills of mathematical modelling, interviews were conducted as supporting data from test results, while the observation is done to see the approach process in MEAs during the learning. Based on the research result of obtained an information that the mathematical modelling skills to the grades VIII.1 of SMPN 56 Palembang are in good category with an average of 78.29. There are 17 students with a very good categories, 6 students with a good category, 3 students with sufficient categories, and 1 student with poor category. The result of interview showed that students are be able to identify the problems related to the patterns of numbers, but in the process of creating a mathematical model is still a difficult task, because the students do not remember the previous material, in solving the problems and in reinterpreting the mathematical results obtained there are students who are unable to do so. The process on the component apporach MEAs namely component newspaper article, readines or warm-up questions, the data tabel or mathematical information, and problem statment stimulate students’ mathematical modelling skills.