Algebraic thinking ability of grade VIII students using a Problem-Based Learning (PBL)

Abstract

Students still have limited algebraic reasoning skills, so a learning model called Problem-Based Learning (PBL) is utilized as a teaching strategy to help student develop their algebraic thinking abilities. This study uses the learning model Problem-Based Learning (PBL) to the algebraic thinking skills of class VIII students. The method of research is descriptive qualitative research. The students in class VIII students of SMPN 1 Lahat participated in this study. Problem-Based Learning (PBL) worksheet in accordance with three algebraic thinking abilities: generational activities, transformational activities, and global, meta-level, and mathematical activities. Data for the study came from observations, interviews and written exams. Data from the results of observation sheets are used to see the emergence of indicators of students' algebraic thinking during learning with a total of 2 sessions; data from the results of written tests are used to categorize students' algebraic thinking abilities after learning, taking 2 students from each category, and interviews to clarify the results of students' answers. The findings of this study show that students possess a range of low, medium, and high levels of algebraic thinking ability. The result of the implementation learning model showed that 14 students were in the medium category and 17 students were in the low category.