Students� Analytical Thinking in Solving Problems of Polygon Areas

Abstract

Elementary students� understanding of polygon areas concept is important in succeeding in their academic and daily life because the concept is broadly applied at schools and homes. Hence, a comprehensive understanding of the concept is required. The understanding can be seen from students� analytical thinking in facing a complicated problem. If a student does analytical thinking, the student can create a link between the concepts and predict what will happen. In fact, students frequently use procedural thinking to solve almost any type of problem, including non-routine problems. A study to reveal this phenomenon is thus important to conduct. This study aimed to describe students� analytical thinking in solving the polygon areas problems. To know the students� analytical thinking, the researcher gave problems toa team of mathematics Olympiad of elementary school students. Based on students� analytical answers, the researcher found (1) analytical and (2) semi-analytical thinking. Analytical thinking was characterized by algorithm clarity, chronological reasoning, valid argumentation, and effective steps. Semi-analytical thinking was characterized by a presence of �disturbing elements� which broke the chain of implications. The result of the study can be teachers� consideration in selecting teaching methods tailored to the students� thinking possibilities so that knowledge and learning experiences are well internalized.