Students' Mathematical Connection Ability in Solving Real-world Problems

Abstract

Being able to solve a variety of mathematical problems is one of the main factors and indicators that reflect the success of mathematics learning, including real-world problems. In solving real-world problems, students need a mathematical connection to be able to choose and use a mathematical concept that fits properly with conditions given in the problem. Therefore, it is important to observe students' mathematical connection in order to improve their mathematical achievement. This study is qualitative descriptive which aimed to describe the ability of eighth-graders' mathematical connections in solving real-world problems. The subjects of this study were 29 students of a Private Junior High School in Bantul Yogyakarta. Mathematical connection test was employed for collecting the data. Based on the analysis result, students' mathematical connection falls in the low category. Students' difficulties in solving real-world problems were restricted to understanding the problem and connecting the problem with relevant mathematical concepts.