Learning from student thinking in a mathematics classroom

Abstract

The study aims to investigate thinking of students during the mathematics instruction. Data were collected by conducting observations and interviews at 7 secondary schools in Manokwari, West Papua, Indonesia. Observations were held in the classroom and studied videos of instruction to identify what they think during the classroom activities. Data obtained then triangulated through intensive interviews with students, teachers, and pre-service mathematics teachers. The results showed that there are two groups of students, those who have positive and negative thinking. Students who think positively tend to be active, confident and have high motivation. But they tend to be dominant so that it can disrupt the instruction process. On the other hand, students who think contrary tend to be inactive. Students who are inactive are caused by low ability, lack of courage and poor perception of teachers. All groups of students need help from teachers through different teaching strategies.