Trigonometry Mathematical Problem-Solving Ability Viewed from Cognitive Style

Abstract

Problem solving is a significant skill for students to resolve obstacles in their daily lives. To stimulate a problem solving among the variations of student’s characteristics, students are necessary to solve problem at a time. This study aims to investigate students’ skill to get over trigonometry problem in the perspective of cognitive style of field independent (FI) and field dependent (FD). A qualitative descriptive research is employed with a purposive sampling technique. The participants of this study consisted of students of Islamic High School (MA) and a student is taken from each type of cognitive style to be interviewed in which these students are able to know indicators of problem solving. Data were collected through test and interview. Data analysis technique was conducted using a model Miles and Huberman with three steps: data reduction, data presentation, and drawing a conclusion. The research findings showed there were a difference between students’ characteristics on each cognitive style to solve problem. Students with field independent (FI) cognitive style tended to be independent, able to identify with their own language, select a practical method, re-explain easily the process that has been done and have a good creativity. Meanwhile, students with field dependent (FD) cognitive style were likely to depend on teacher’s information, write step including completion and calculation in details, lack in ability to describe the process of accomplishment again, and be not able to provide an alternative solution.