Analysis of Students’ Mathematical Problem Solving Ability: Arithmetic Operation Cases at Filial Baduro Elementary School Timor Leste

Abstract

Similar to other countries, problem-solving skills are one of the goals of study in schools. This study aims to determine the problem-solving abilities of elementary school students in Timor-Leste. The results of this study can be used as suggestions and the basis for further research. The topic of mathematics that will be used in this research is the operation of multiplication and division of integers. This study uses a qualitative descriptive method to elaborate students’ problem-solving skills in solving multiplication and division problems. The research sample was taken from Filial Baduro Elementary School, Timor-Leste. The population in this study were all fifth-grade students, totaling 27 students. To determine the main subject of this study, the researcher used purposive sampling and got three representative students. The instrument used is a test sheet. The results showed that the problem-solving ability of the students of Filial Baduro Elementary School was still low. This can be seen in the errors made in understanding the questions and the recheck step of more than 50%. These results provide helpful information for teachers to use varied methods and appropriate media to minimize their mistakes.