The ability of senior high school students in comprehending mathematical proofs

Abstract

Mathematical proving ability is an ability which has function to improve mathematical high order thinking and reasoning skill. This ability consists of two sub-abilities, which are mathematical proof comprehension and mathematical proof construction. Both of the sub-abilities are related each other. To construct mathematical proofs, students need to have good mathematical proof comprehension. Due to the importance of mathematical proof comprehension, a qualitative descriptive study was conducted to describe senior high school students’ ability in mathematical proof comprehension. A test was given to 10 students of 11th grade in one of senior high schools at Bandung, West Java, Indonesia. The students’ works were analyzed for each proof comprehension indicator. Overall, the research found four results, the students: (i) were good in giving a reason for each step of proofs; (ii) got difficulties in validating a step of proof; (iii) were good in applying the steps of a proof to prove similar statement; and (iv) failed in determining and proving a notion based on pattern from the given statements. This study concludes that the senior high school students’ ability in comprehending mathematical proofs has not been satisfied. In several parts, it needs to be improved during mathematics learning process.