Why Do Students Make Errors when Solving Problem in Semiotic Representation?

DOI

10.2991/icomse-17.2018.3How to use a DOI?

Keywords

Semiotic Representation, Linear Equation System, Problem-solving skills, Mathematics Education

Abstract

Error in learning mathematics means an inappropriateness of someone in determining the solution of a problem, either in the concepts or its completion procedures. Semiotics means signs or symbols. The use of symbols is the concept of one's thinking in using symbols and representing certain meaning. Problem-solving in semiotic representation is a method for students to solve a problem in the form of algebra, graphics, tables, everyday language, body language and computer language (e.g., Basic, Pascal). This paper sheds new light on analyzing students’ error in determining the coefficient of a variable from Two-Variable Linear Equation System. In an effort to meet that purpose, this study conducted a qualitative research with an explorative descriptive approach. Subjects in this study are ten students of 3rd semester in one of the private universities in Jember. The subject was intervened one non-routine problem, i.e., the matter of determining the coefficient of a variable from Two-Variable Linear Equation System. The findings of this study revealed that in the early stages of problem-solving, students try to find the coefficient of a variable by the method of elimination. In the final stages, there are three common mistakes which are identified in this research. Firstly, the students do not understand the purpose of the problem, so they could not find the coefficient of the variable should not use the letting, Secondly, students do not realize that substitute the variable coefficients of the system of linear equations least two grades, but the number was not up. Lastly, students do not resolve the problem according to the appropriate procedure, so they could not find the coefficient values based on the requirements of the problem.

Copyright

© 2018, the Authors. Published by Atlantis Press.

Open Access

This is an open access article distributed under the CC BY-NC license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc/4.0/).

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TY  - CONF
AU  - Christine W. Suryaningrum
AU  - Purwanto Purwanto
AU  - Subanji Subanji
AU  - Hery Susanto
PY  - 2017/08
DA  - 2017/08
TI  - Why Do Students Make Errors when Solving Problem in Semiotic Representation?
BT  - Proceedings of the 1st Annual International Conference on Mathematics, Science, and Education (ICoMSE 2017)
PB  - Atlantis Press
SP  - 8
EP  - 11
SN  - 2352-5398
UR  - https://doi.org/10.2991/icomse-17.2018.3
DO  - 10.2991/icomse-17.2018.3
ID  - Suryaningrum2017/08
ER  -