Student’s Thinking Process in Solving Proportions Based on Information Processing Theory

Abstract

IN T ROD UCT IO NThinking in solving problems is one of the most important goals in learning mathematics (Jaleel & Titus, 2016;Nepal, 2017;Li, et al., 2019). Mathematical thinking plays a crucial role in learning activities and also in everyday life. According to (Bakar, 2015), mathematical thinking is an important aspect for students as it helps the brain to understand and remember the subject matter. Learning is not only carried out through listening to the material, writing the material, and doing tasks but also by involving mental processes that occur in the brain. Therefore, learning can refer to an activity that is always related to individual thought processes or cognitive processes (Walle, 2007).Mathematical thinking can be seen as a way of understanding mathematical problems based on the various sources collected to study a mathematical object (Mustafa, et al., 2019). Thinking, according to (Bakar, 2015), is an activity in which the mind is used to make decisions, find meaning, make judgments, and solve problems based on information and experiences found in everyday life. One way to find out students' thinking processes is to give them problems. In line with the opinion of (Solso, et al., 2008), someone will be motivated to think if they are faced with a problem. (Subanji, 2013), argues that an important key for students to think is to involve them in questions that force them to take advantage of their ideas to solve problems. When students solve problems, students are encouraged to think and try to find the solutions.The ability to solve problems is the ultimate goal of mathematics learning (Ersoy, 2016;Evidiasari, et al., 2019;Puran, et al., 2017). Solving problems in mathematics is considered very helpful for students' success in learning mathematics. (Hidajat, et al., 2019), state that mathematical problems are necessary for the development of mathematics itself.Therefore, students' ability to solve problems should be developed in mathematics classrooms.Problem-solving is a method used by students to understand and solve a problem (Sriraman, 2003). In problemsolving, students are required to develop the ability to create new ideas regarding the problems they face. As stated by (Santrock, 2008), problem-solving involves finding a suitable way to achieve a goal. When students formulate a problem, solve a problem, or want to understand a problem, they do thinking activities. (Solso, et al., 2008), define problemsolving as an ability to think that is directed directly to find a solution to a specific problem. Problem-solving and thinking are two interconnected activities (Cavanagh & McMaster, 2017). As explained by (Saragih & Napitupulu, 2015), when solving a problem, students carry out a series of thought processes.