The Analysis of Students' Mathematical Thinking based on Their Mathematics Self-Concept

Abstract

This research aims to describe the students' mathematical thinking based on their mathematics self-concept. In addition, this study also aims to determine whether there are differences in mathematical thinking between students who have positive mathematics self-concept (MSC) with students who have negative MSC and to know how much influence MSC to the students' mathematical thinking. There are four indicators of students' mathematical thinking which is used in this study. First, Specializing, i.e. trying the problem by looking at the example, paying attention to a simple case. Second, Generalising, i.e. looking for patterns and relationships. Third, Conjecturing, i.e. predicting relationships and results. Fourth, Convincing, i.e. finding and communicating the reason why something is right. This research used a descriptive method. The population of this study is all senior high school students in Subang, West Java. Instruments in this research are the test of students' mathematical thinking and MSC questionnaire. Based on the finding of this research, generally, students who have positive MSC, have good mathematical thinking abilities. Mann-Whitney U test results showed that significantly there are differences in mathematical thinking between students who have positive MSC with students who have negative MSC. Variables of MSC give positive and big influence on the students' mathematical thinking.