UNS Conference Portal, The 1st International Conference on Science, Mathematics, Environment and Education 2017

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Students Difficulties in Solving Probabilistic Problem
Depi Puspita Arum

Last modified: 2017-07-27

Abstract


There are many errors still identified when students solving mathematics problem particularly in solving probabilistic problem. It indicates that most of students have difficulties in solving probabilistic problem. This present study aims to investigate students’ difficulties in solving probabilistic problem. It focuses on analysing and describing students errors during solving the problem. This research used qualitative method with case study strategy. The subjects in this research involve 10 students of 9thgrade that were selected by purposive sampling. Data in this research involve students’ probabilistic problem solving result and recorded interview regarding students’ errors in solving the problem. Those data were analysed descriptively using Miles and Huberman steps. The results show that students have difficulties in solving probabilistic problem. The difficulties can be divided in to three categories. First difficulties relates to students’ difficulties in understanding the probabilistic problem. It is indicated by students’ errors in identifying and representing the information in the problem. Second, students’ difficulties in choosing and using appropriate strategies for solving the problem. It is shown by students’ inability to identify the appropriate strategies. It is caused by students misunderstanding about probability concept and inability for remembering strategies for solving the problem. Third difficulties relates to students’ difficulties about computational process in solving the problem. It is indicated by students’ errors regarding arithmetic operation. It is probably caused by students inaccuracy while computational process. In other word students did not evaluate their problem solving process. Based on the result seems that students still have difficulties in solving probabilistic problem. It means that students have not able to use their knowledge and ability for responding probabilistic problem yet. Therefore it is important for mathematics teachers to plan probabilistic learning which is could optimize students’ probabilistic thinking ability.