Mathematical connection ability of middle school students in solving quadrilateral

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to analyze the ability of students' mathematical connections in solving quadrilateral problems. This research used qualitative approach for a descriptive research. The population in this study was all students of grade VIII of junior high school in Bireuen, Aceh Provence, while the sample was 20 students (around age 13-14 years) who were selected by purposive sampling technique. Data collection techniques used in the study were tests and interviews. The results showed that overall mathematical connections were still low at 39%. While the percentage of each connection indicator between topics of mathematics is 35%, connections with other disciplines are 28%, connections with the real world are 53%. Students faced difficulty in linking among mathematical concepts, this is due to not mastering the prerequisite material optimally even some students only remember the concept but forget how to do operations correctly, meanwhile students forget about physics concepts in calculating distances so that many students had difficulty in associating concepts mathematics with other disciplines. Based on these results, the researchers suggest to: 1) improve students' mathematical connection abilities, 2) train students with non-routine problem solving.