Analysis of Student Errors in Answering Geometry Problem Based on Newman Theory in Term of Van Hiele Level

Abstract

This research is based on the low understanding of students' geometry, this causes students' errors in solving problems, particularly at the surface area of polyhedron topic. The aim of the study is to describe students' errors in answering questions about the surface area of polyhedron based on Van Hiele's geometric thinking level consisting of: stage 0 (visualization), stage 1 (analysis), stage 2 (informal deduction), stage 3 (deduction) and stage 4 (rigor). The method used in this research is descriptive qualitative. This research was conducted at one of the junior high schools in Bengkulu city. The selection of research subjects was based on the previous student's test scores and interviews with the mathematics teacher who taught in the class. The subjects selected were 6 students from a total of 32 students. The data collection technique used a written test regarding the surface area of the polyhedron and interviews. The result’s conclusion of this study is that the students' geometric thinking level is only at level 0 (visualization), level 1 (analysis) and level 2 (informal deduction). From the three levels identified student errors include comprehension errors, reading errors, transfomation errors, encoding errors and process skills errors.