Mathematics Problem-Solving Ability and Student Learning Independence

Abstract

The implementation of education in Indonesia needs a lot of attention to improve the quality and increase the equal access to education. The existence of Package A education equivalent to Elementary School has become an alternative route that is recognized as being able to reduce the number of children dropping out of school. The implementation of education with a learning system using competency credit units (SKK), of course, has a different implementation, including in mathematics subjects which are also carried out in multiple classes. The purpose of this preliminary study was to determine to what extent mathematical problem solving and academic independence were possessed. Based on the initial test of mathematical problem-solving ability, scores for each indicator of students' problem-solving ability were poor. Likewise, the academic independence of students, including self-confidence, motivation, responsibility, discipline and initiative, is low.