Representation Thinking Tool of a Student in Mathematical Problems Solving

Abstract

Representation is a form of student interpretation from a form of mathematical idea that is considered difficult to another, simpler form so that it can be communicated or resolved more easily. Therefore, the ability of mathematical representation is very important and is an inseparable part of solving mathematical problems. Many studies examining mathematical representations with various findings have been reported. Even so, the problem of mathematical representation is still not resolved. Many research findings also reveal the weakness of students' mathematical representation abilities. This study aims to determine the description of poses and the characteristics of students' thinking in solving mathematics (algebra) problems. This research method is descriptive with a subject of 35 junior high school students in class VII. Data collection techniques using tests. The results of the study found that most of the students were in the unexpected characteristics of the way of thinking. These findings inform teachers and other stakeholders that research on representation as a thought process needs attention and continues to be developed with various types of research.