Students’ Intuition in Solving Mathematics Problems: The Case of High Mathematics Ability and Gender Differences

Abstract

Students are required to find their appropriate strategies to solve mathematics problems so that intuition is needed. Male and female students have different intuition on mathematical problem-solving. Thus, gender is influencing how to obtain mathematical knowledge. This descriptive qualitative study aimed to analize the intuition differences of male and female students who have high-level mathematical abilities at secondary school in solving mathematics problems. Data was collected through tests of mathematical problem-solving and interviews then analysed through data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion. This study found that: (1) There are differences in the characteristics of male and female intuition in mathematical problems solving, (2) The intuition of male and female in mathematical problems solving based on Polya's steps is different in re-checking the answers, (3) There are differences in intuition when students solve linear equation system problems. There are differences in intuition between male and female students with high matematical abilities in each material. Students with problem-solving abilities have affirmative intuition to understand problems, anticipatory intuition for problem-solving plans and solutions, and conclusive intuition to re-examine problems.