MATHEMATICAL CONNECTION ABILITY IN SOLVING MATHEMATICS PROBLEM BASED ON INITIAL ABILITIES OF STUDENTS AT SMPN 10 BULUKUMBA

Abstract

Initial ability is ability to determine the success of students in learning. High or low initial ability can cause differences in solving mathematics problems, particularly in connecting ability in solving mathematics problems based on initial ability of the students. This study is descriptive research with qualitive approach.the researcher is the main instrument guided by test of mathematics initial ability, test of mathematics problems problem solving, anda valid guided interview. Data were coffected through test anda verified through interview. The research subjects were the students of grade IXA at SMPN 10 Bulukumba which consisted of two subjects who have high initial ability anda low initial ability. The research process were conducted in the following steps (a) formulating mathematical connection indicators, (b) formulating supporting instrument, test of initial ability, test of problem solving, and guided interview which is valid anda reliable, (c) choosing research subjects based on initial ability, (d) conducting data collection to reveal mathematical connection ability of the students using test of mathematics problem solving. (e) conducti g triangulation to obtain valid data, (f) conducting data analysis, (g) conducting data analysis, and (h) conducting conclusion drawing based on the results of the study. The result of the study reveal that (a) the subject with high initial ability can complete test of mathematics problem solving based on mathematical connection inndicators, (b) the subject with low initial ability cannot solve the test of mathematical problem solving because there is no knowledge to support the problem solving. PENDAHULUAN Pendidikan menurut Undang Undang No. 20 Tahun 2003 tentang Sistem Pendidikan Nasional adalah usaha sadar dan terencana untuk mewujudkan suasana belajar dan proses pembelajaran agar peserta didik secara aktif mengembangkan potensi dirinya untuk memiliki kekuatan spiritual keagamaan, pengendalian diri, kepribadian, kecerdasan, akhlak mulia, serta keterampilan yang diperlukan dirinya, masyarakat, bangsa, dan negara. Pendidikan merupakan salah satu bentuk upaya untuk meningkatkan kualitas sumber daya manusia. Seorang guru dalam pendidikan memegang peranan yang penting. Guru tidak hanya dituntut untuk memiliki kemampuan dalam pengalaman teoretis tapi juga harus memiliki kemampuan praktis. Kedua