THE THINKING PROCESS OF JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS’ IN SOLVING MATHEMATIC PROBLEM BASED ON GENDER

The aim of this study is to find out the students thinking process in solving mathematical problems on the cubes and blocks material. This research is a qualitative descriptive study. The research subject is the eight grade students of SMP Muhammadiyah 1 Ponorogo, 4 students. Subject is taken based on gender and ability in mathematics. Data analysis was conducted based think aloud protocol. Then, time triangulation was conducted between the first and the second problems, and then method triangulation was done to obtain valid research subject data. This research finally provides the student’s thinking process as follows. Female students, in understanding the problem, use the thought process in establishing the understanding, then in designing and planning solutions, they use the thought process and the formation of understanding, then formation of opinion. Female students in finding solutions use the thought process and the formation of the decision forming conclusions, and may address the issue based on the steps that have been prepared. Furthermore, they use the thought process and the formation of the decision forming conclusions in checking the solution of problems. Meanwhile, male students in understanding the problem use the thought process of understanding the formation, in designing and planning solutions they use the thought process and the formation of understanding and opinion. Furthermore, male students in finding solutions use the thought process and the formation of the decision forming conclusions. Then they use it in checking the results obtained.
Keywords: Thinking process, mathematics problem solving, gender