SUPPORTING STUDENTS’ UNDERSTANDING OF LINEAR EQUATIONS WITH ONE VARIABLE USING ALGEBRA TILES

Sari Saraswati,Ratu Ilma Indra Putri,Somakim Somakim

doi:10.22342/jme.7.1.2814.19-30

Sari Saraswati, Ratu Ilma Indra Putri + Show 1 more

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https://doi.org/10.22342/jme.7.1.2814.19-30

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Abstract

This research aimed to describe how algebra tiles can support students' understanding of linear equations with one variable. This article is a part of a larger research on learning design of linear equations with one variable using algebra tiles combined with balancing method. Therefore, it will merely discuss one activity focused on how students use the algebra tiles to find a method to solve linear equations with one variable. Design research was used as an approach in this study. It consists of three phases, namely preliminary design, teaching experiment and retrospective analysis. Video registrations, students' written works, pre-test, post-test, field notes, and interview are technic to collect data. The data were analyzed by comparing the hypothetical learning trajectory (HLT) and the actual learning process. The result shows that algebra tiles could supports students' understanding to find the formal solution of linear equation with one variable. Keywords: linear equation with one variable, algebra tiles, design research, balancing method, HLT

Highlights

Abstrak Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui bagaimana penggunaan algebra tiles dapat mendukung pemahaman siswa dalam mempelajari konsep persamaan linear satu variabel
We developed five activities in learning the concept of linear equation with one variable
As a part of large study, in this study, we merely focus on the fourth activity of designed learning activities. This activity is aimed to investigate the students’ strategy in finding the solution of linear equation with one variable. This part will discuss the analysis of students’ work on the use of algebra tiles to find the solution of linear equation with one variable

Summary

Introduction

Abstrak Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui bagaimana penggunaan algebra tiles dapat mendukung pemahaman siswa dalam mempelajari konsep persamaan linear satu variabel. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa algebra tiles dapat mendukung pemahaman siswa dalam menemukan penyelesaian formal persamaan linear satu variabel. In Al Khawarizmi’s book, it is stated that “a motivation for studying algebra was the solution of equations” (Krantz, 2006) It shows that linear equation with one variable is really necessary to support learning of other topics in mathematics. Learning process that use in Indonesia is not support the students to understand the concept of solving linear equations with one variable. Solving linear equation is important concepts in algebra and on that causes confusions for students (Magruder, 2012). To learn the topic of solving linear equation with one variables, students struggle to balance conceptual and procedural knowledge (Magruder, 2012). The concept of RME is based on Hans Freudenthal’s view of mathematics as a human activity which is discovering and organizing between content and form (Freudenthal, 2002). Treffers (1987) clarified that there are five characteristics of RME as described below

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