Students' Thinking in Solving Geometric Problems Based on PISA Levels

Abstract

The latest results of Programme for International Students assessment (PISA) shows that Indonesia is still on the bottom place among all participating countries. Therefore, this study aims at analysing students' thinking in solving geometric problems based on PISA levels. This is a qualitative descriptive study involving 25 8th graders of a private junior high school in Surakarta, Indonesia. The data collection is conducted using test and documentation. The data analysis is conducted in three stages namely data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing/verification. Based on the analysis, it can be concluded that most students' are categorizing in medium level of thinking (about 72%), less students are categorizing in high level of thinking (20%), and least students are categorizing in high level of thinking (8%). PISA level 1 and 2 are levels which are easily achieved by students. Whereas, PISA level 3-6 are levels which are difficultly achieved by students. This implies the importance of increasing students' levels of thinking in solving mathematics problems, particularly geometric problems.