Mathematical connection ability of deaf student in completing social arithmetic tests

Abstract

This study aimed at exploring the mathematical connection ability of grade 8 deaf students in completing the social arithmetic test. This was a qualitative research with case study and grounded theory design. The data were collected by test, interview, observation, and questionnaire. Subjects of the study were six students who were purposively chosen based on the characteristic of language and speech, intelligence, and social emotion and were taken from three different schools, namely: SMPLB Karya Murni Ruteng - NTT, SMPLBN Semarang and SMPLB Don Bosco Wonosobo. The result of work and interview analysis showed that mathematical connection abilities of deaf students in completing social arithmetic test are as follows; (1) in understanding the problem, the deaf students tended to represent the problem by creating a mathematical model, statement, and concrete objects. (2) in making the initial plan to complete the problem, the deaf students tended to use media associated with a given problem. (3) If deaf students could solve the problem, they tended to resolve it by enumerating, substitution, and tinkering with concrete objects.