Students’ mathematics problem solving ability through Model Eliciting Activities (MEAs)

Abstract

Mathematical problem solving is an ability that is needed in the real world, especially in the field of work. Therefore, it is necessary to hone these skills from an early age. This study aims to describe the mathematical problem-solving abilities of students who learn to use MEAs. This research was conducted in class VIII at a junior high school in Bandung, Indonesia. The research method used is a qualitative approach. The instrument used was a test of mathematical problems solving and interviews. The results showed that the description of the mathematical problem-solving abilities of students who learned using MEAs, namely low category students succeeded in getting to the simple problem-solving planning stage so that the solving steps were not correct. Students in the category of being successful in problem planning but mistakenly seeing the facts in the problem, so that mistakenly made the first stage mathematical model so that students were wrong in determining the final goal of the solution. High category students succeed at the completion plan implementation stage of making the first stage mathematical model but mistakenly consider the real-world situation after the mathematical model at a later stage.