Analysis of students' errors in solving probability based on Newman's error analysis

Abstract

Students' errors in solving mathematical problems can come from several reasons. This research purposes to analyse students' errors based on Newman's error analysis in solving problems about probability using qualitative method. Newman's error analysis are five stages of (1) reading, (2) comprehension, (3) transformation, (4) process skill, and (5) encoding. The steps consist of developing three tasks, validating the tasks, asking students to solve the tasks, and analysing students' answer. The subjects of this research were five students at the eighth grade (13-14 year-olds). The result showed that students' error based on Newman's error analysis often occurred in stages of reading, comprehension and process skills.Students made errors in choosing the formula to solve the tasks, understanding what the tasks asked and determining the events. Teachers should incorporate error analysis in their lesson designs as it will help making instructional based on students' needs.