Students Difficulties in Solving Geometry Problem
Students Difficulties in Solving Geometry Problem
Sciences
Volume 17, Issue 12, (2022) 4628-4640
www.cjes.eu
Students’ difficulties in solving geometry
problems
Nur Rokhman Ramdjid*, Universitas Negeri Semarang, Mathematics Education Study Program, Postgraduate
Program, Indonesia. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-0534-3470
Sukestiyarno Sukestiyarno, Universitas Negeri Semarang, Mathematics Education Study Program,
Postgraduate Program, Indonesia. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2377-5872
Rochmad Rochmad, Universitas Negeri Semarang, Mathematics Education Study Program, Postgraduate
Program, Indonesia. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-1146-4508
Mulyono Mulyono, Universitas Negeri Semarang, Mathematics Education Study Program, Postgraduate
Program, Indonesia. https://orcid.org/0000-0003-4511-846X
Suggested Citation:
Ramdjid, R. N., Sukestiyarno, S., Rochmad, R. & Mulyono, M. (2022). Students’ difficulties in solving geometry
problems. Cypriot Journal of Educational Science. 17(12), 4628-4640.
https://doi.org/10.18844/cjes.v17i12.7039
Received from August 20, 2022; revised from September 28, 2022; accepted from December 20, 2022
©2022 by the authors. Licensee Birlesik Dunya Yenilik Arastirma ve Yayincilik Merkezi, North Nicosia, Cyprus.
This article is an open access article distributed under the terms and conditions of the Creative Commons
Attribution (CC BY) license (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ ).
Abstract
This study is based on research findings that examines students' difficulties utilizing Polya's problem to solve geometry problems -
solving stages. Thirty-one students were assigned to work on questions about the material in order to calculate the distance in space.
Researchers examined each student’s work to determine which stage of Polya they struggled with. In-depth interviews were also
conducted to clarify answers and investigate students' difficulties in solving math problems. The results showed that students who were
able to answer completely and correctly, based on Polya’s stages in understanding the problem, compiling or thinking about a solution
plan, solving the problem according to the plan and re- examining the procedure and the results of solving the answer, had a very low
success rate. Scaffolding is given to students who have difficulty and recognition of the accuracy of correct answers for those who are
successful.
*
ADDRESS OF CORRESPONDENCE: Nur Rokhman Ramdjid, Universitas Negeri Semarang, Mathematics
Education Study Program, Postgraduate Program, Indonesia
Email address: [email protected]
Ramdjid, R. N., Sukestiyarno, S., Rochmad, R. & Mulyono, M. (2022). Students’ difficulties in solving geometry problems. Cypriot Journal of
Educational Science. 17(12), 4628-4640. https://doi.org/10.18844/cjes.v17i12.7039
1. Introduction
1.1. Conceptual and theoretical framework
Problem-solving is a critical effort formed to eliminate the complex process of potential
challenges in order to achieve a specific goal. Individuals engage in problem-solving as a cognitive
behavioural process to find practical answers to the challenges that are experienced in everyday
life. Tall (2002) states that problem-solving is a more creative activity that includes the formulation
of possible conjectures, a series of testing activities, modification and refinement until a formal
proof of a well- defined theorem can be produced. According to Zhu (2007), The method for
resolving mathematical issues requires a complex level of mental effort. The ability to build logical
reasoning skills that can be utilized in a variety of circumstances in everyday life, both now and in
the future, can be gained through solving mathematical questions (Mullis et al., 2012). The process
of solving mathematical problems is one that is difficult, abstract, and needs the thinking and
reasoning of a human being. Mathematical education places a significant emphasis on the
development of problem-solving abilities (Chimmalee & Anupan, 2022).
When a task encounters some obstacles, mathematical problem-solving occurs. The
application of problem-solving strategies in mathematics calls for inventive thought as well as a
methodical approach (Blanco et al., 2013). This condition refers to the ability to create contextual
problem- solving programmes using patterns in order to solve problems. Students require specific
methods in order to find solutions to the challenges they are facing. (algorithms). When students
are unable to solve a problem simply by following the work method in the form of an algorithm,
other work methods must be used to facilitate the solution (heuristic). Students will channel their
thoughts through heuristics so that they do not work by simply experimenting without direction.
Concept maps which are created by drawing pictures, patterns and schemes are a type of heuristic
for solving mathematical problems. Students’ ability to find algorithms and heuristics in solving
mathematical problems are components of metacognitive abilities.
Problem-solving ability, according to Trilling and Fadel (2009), Students need to have a
process skill throughout the mathematics learning process. Problem-solving ability is a
dynamic process that develops in response to the type, characteristics, and framework of the issue
at hand. Students are able to think about unique situations, decide what to do and how to do it,
and make use of chances that exist to obtain solutions when they have problem-solving skills.
These skills lay somewhere between learning skills and renewal skills. Kazemi et al. (2010) It
should be stated that the ability to solve issues is intricately tied to both cognition and
metacognition. According to Booker et al. (2014), problem- solving components include
manipulating the concept, understanding the concept, noting similarities, differences and
analogies, identifying critical issues and selecting appropriate procedures, analysing incorrect
details, interpreting the relationship between facts and makinggeneralisations.
Students learning mathematics need problem-solving, critical thinking and analytical
thinking skills. The ability to solve problems is a critical requirement that mustbe met in order for
a teacher to survive. Individuals’ problem-solving abilities can vary depending on the type of
problems they face (Anilan & Berber, 2019). The mathematical problem-solving abilities of
students are characterized by their capacity to solve story problems and non-routine tasks; apply
the use of mathematics in regular life or other situations; prove, develop, or test conjectures; and
apply the use of mathematics in regular life or other situations.
Lessons in mathematics are generally seen as being challenging and difficult to understand
for students. (Kadirbayeva et al., 2022). Students are allowed to build their capacity to alter and
modify their approach to a variety of new problem scenarios by solving mathematical problems
(Chimmalee & Anupan, 2022). Students are able to learn and apply a variety of mathematical
concepts and procedures, as well as cultivate and value adequate mathematical competences,
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Ramdjid, R. N., Sukestiyarno, S., Rochmad, R. & Mulyono, M. (2022). Students’ difficulties in solving geometry problems. Cypriot Journal of
Educational Science. 17(12), 4628-4640. https://doi.org/10.18844/cjes.v17i12.7039
4630
Ramdjid, R. N., Sukestiyarno, S., Rochmad, R. & Mulyono, M. (2022). Students’ difficulties in solving geometry problems. Cypriot Journal of
Educational Science. 17(12), 4628-4640. https://doi.org/10.18844/cjes.v17i12.7039
geometric problems involving determining the distance in space using Polya's problem-solving
stages.
2. Method
2.1. Research design
The methodology for the research used descriptive-analytical, quantitative techniques, and
correlational research design were utilized in this study's research design. Techniques used to
collect data are documentation, interviews and the problem- solving ability assessment
instrument. The problem-solving ability assessment instrument sheet is designed in an answer
column format that is sorted by the Polya stage.
2.2. Participants
This study was conducted on 31 students from year XII IPA 3 at SMA Negeri 1 Salem,
Indonesia, with 11 (35.48%) males and 20 (64.52%) females assigned to work on questions about
the material in order to calculate the distance in space. In-depth interviews were also conducted
on six students to clarify answers and investigate students' difficulties in solving math problems.
2.3. Data collection process
Students were given a geometric problem to solve in order to determine the distance
in space using the Polya-based problem-solving stages. The researcher corrected each student’s
answer to determine where they struggled at the Polya stage. In-depth interviews were conducted
after analysing the results of students' answers in order to clarify answers and explore the
difficulties students encountered when solving mathematical problems.
2.4. Validity and reliability of the instrument
The problem-solving capability evaluation tool sheet was explicitly created in an answer
column sorted by the Polya stage. This instrument has been validated by educational experts and
practitioners with an average score (Va) of 4.65, which is in the range 4 ≤ Va < 5, with a very valid
category, and the percentage of validator perceptions is 93.06, which is in the range of 84% ≤ x ≤
100%, with very good criteria.
The following illustrates the assessment rubric that will be used to establish the
requirements for acquiring mathematical problem-solving abilities, as shown in Table 1.
Table 1
Criteria for Achievement Mathematical Problem-Solving Abilities
Average score Achievements Criteria
4.2 ≤ Va ˂ 5 84% ≤ x ≤ 100% Very good/very high
3.4 ≤ Va ˂ 4.2 68% ≤ x < 83% Good/high
2.6 ≤ Va ˂ 3.4 52% ≤ x < 67% Fairly good/medium
1.8 ≤ Va ˂ 2.6 36% ≤ x < 51% Not good/low
1 ≤ Va ˂ 1.8 20% ≤ x < 35% Poor/very low
Va is average score, x is achievement mathematical problem-solving
abilities.
Table 2 shows the description of results on students' answers in geometry problem-solving.
Table 2
Description of Results on Students' Answers in Geometry Problem-Solving
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Ramdjid, R. N., Sukestiyarno, S., Rochmad, R. & Mulyono, M. (2022). Students’ difficulties in solving geometry problems. Cypriot Journal of
Educational Science. 17(12), 4628-4640. https://doi.org/10.18844/cjes.v17i12.7039
Complete Understand the facts presented in the problem accurately and the problem itself and
can simplify it by employing the language most familiar to them.
Able to apply ideas correctly completely and in detail and can combine ideas so as to
produce novelty.
Complete verification, able to find and implement ideas appropriately
Incomplete Understand the information contained in the problem correctly and be able to state
theessence of the problem in their own language.
Understand the problem well, be able to apply the solution ideas correctly and in
detailand can combine ideas but are not complete.
Complete verification but have not implemented ideas because they are not complete.
Incorrect Understand the information contained in the problem but still write it down in
theproblem and do not understand the problem presented.
Doing work on the questions but still wrong because they don't understand the
problems presented in the questions.
Not verifying.
No response Not working on the questions at all or just copying the questions, there is no
completion process and no verification process.
2.5. Data analysis
In the data analysis section, statistical data were analyzed in the Statistics programme by using
percentage (%) and linear regression analysis.
3. Findings and discussion
Table 3 displays the percentage of results obtained from the analysis of the responses
provided by the 31 pupils by Polya's stages of problem-solving.
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Ramdjid, R. N., Sukestiyarno, S., Rochmad, R. & Mulyono, M. (2022). Students’ difficulties in solving geometry problems. Cypriot Journal of Educational Science. 17(12), 4628-4640. https://doi.org/10.18844/cjes.v17i12.7039
Table 3
Percentage of Answer Analysis Results Based on Polya’s Stages
JM = Number of students, PA = Percentage of each activity carried out, PR = Average percentage of each stage Polya, KPM = Problem-solving skills.
.
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Ramdjid, R. N., Sukestiyarno, S., Rochmad, R. & Mulyono, M. (2022). Students’ difficulties in solving geometry problems. Cypriot Journal of
Educational Science. 17(12), 4628-4640. https://doi.org/10.18844/cjes.v17i12.7039
twitter.com
The students understood the problem in stage 1 by identifying known and asked data,
informationon questions, requirements that must be satisfied, as well as rephrasing the issue
in an operational manner.
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Ramdjid, R. N., Sukestiyarno, S., Rochmad, R. & Mulyono, M. (2022). Students’ difficulties in solving geometry problems. Cypriot Journal of
Educational Science. 17(12), 4628-4640. https://doi.org/10.18844/cjes.v17i12.7039
.
Polya's stages Activities performed Student answers Transliteration
Devising a Attempting to locate or Determine the length of the line
solution plan recall a previously perpendicular to the plane of
solved problem that has the diagonal CDEF through the
similarities to the line CF that intersects at point I
problem at hand.
Looking for patterns or
rules
In stage 2, the students have compiled or thought of a solution plan by recalling previous
problemsthat have similarities with the problems to be solved.
Polya's stages Activities performed Student answers Transliteration
Carrying out the Carrying out the Find the length of GI (using the
plan procedures that have ratio of the area of the triangle)
been made in the
previous stage to get a So the length of the line GI
(concluded that the distance of
solution
point G to the diagonal plane
CDEF =
In stage 3, the students solved the problem using the procedural plan devised in stage 2 to
arrive ata solution.
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Ramdjid, R. N., Sukestiyarno, S., Rochmad, R. & Mulyono, M. (2022). Students’ difficulties in solving geometry problems. Cypriot Journal of
Educational Science. 17(12), 4628-4640. https://doi.org/10.18844/cjes.v17i12.7039
FG = 8 cm
Then the procedure used
andthe result is correct
Is there another Yes, by using the projection
procedure that is more theorem formula
effective
Can the processes Ya Yes
developed be utilized to
find comparable
solutions to issues?
Can the procedure be Ya Yes
generalised?
In stage 4, the students re-examined the procedure and its completion results by performing an
investigation and evaluation to determine whether the methods that were applied and the
results that were achieved were accurate.
The next step is for students to make assumptions in the form of new ideas about
whether there are other more effective procedures that can be applied to the resolution of
similar challenges and generalise. In this activity, students recognise the answers obtained
through other procedures that provide accuracy that the answers obtained are correct and
make generalisations through reinforcement. In this geometry problem, students continue to
solve the problem by using the projection theorem formula with the triangle area approach.
Transliteration
1) Area of a triangle using the projection formula
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Ramdjid, R. N., Sukestiyarno, S., Rochmad, R. & Mulyono, M. (2022). Students’ difficulties in solving geometry problems. Cypriot Journal of
Educational Science. 17(12), 4628-4640. https://doi.org/10.18844/cjes.v17i12.7039
This study found, based on an analysis of student work outcomes, that the
characteristics of students who had difficulties answering issues were characterized by the
outcomes of the work done by pupils who answered in incomplete detail, incorrectly and did
not answer, so that students tended to be unable to understand the problem, were unable
to formulate or think of solution plans, and were not successful in resolving the issue by the
plan. In addition, students are unable to perform re-examine of the analysis of the process as
well as the final findings.. This finding supports the findings of Vinner’s (1997) research,
which discovered facts about teachers and students in problem-solving situations in which
students frequently do not exercise control when solving a problem. Students who cannot
solve mathematical problems in a structured and accurate manner are given scaffolding to
work through the challenges, and students who have been directed to do recognition in the
form of strengthening the answers obtained through other procedures that provide accuracy
that the answers obtained are correct and make generalisations.
In-depth interviews were conducted after analysing students’ answers in order to
clarify answers and explore students’ talents in finding solutions to mathematical issues using
Polya's stages as a guide. The interviews were conducted with six students, two of whom
represented the low group (RD and HL), two of whom represented the medium group (TJ and
AG) and two of whom represented the high group (RF and LF). Table 4 it contains a summary
of what was said in the interviews about the questions on the test of problem-solving.
Table 4
Summary of the
Interview
Results
According to the data presented in Table 4, it is clear that students’ difficulties Utilizing
Polya's stages of problem-solving in the process of solving geometry problems is due to a lack
of student's ability to understand the context of problems involving geometry material.
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Ramdjid, R. N., Sukestiyarno, S., Rochmad, R. & Mulyono, M. (2022). Students’ difficulties in solving geometry problems. Cypriot Journal of
Educational Science. 17(12), 4628-4640. https://doi.org/10.18844/cjes.v17i12.7039
4. Conclusion
The ability of students to solve geometric problems based on Polya's stages suggests that most
students still have difficulty in solving mathematical problems, as marked by the outcomes of the
work done by pupils who answered in incomplete detail, incorrectly, or did not answer so that
students tended to be unable to understand the problem, formulate or think the solution plans,
and were unable to solve the problem according to the plan. In addition, students could not re-
examine the procedure and the complete results. Scaffolding is provided for students who cannot
solve mathematical problems in a structured and correct manner and for students who have
been directed to do recognition in the form of strengthening the answers obtained through other
procedures that provide accuracy that the answers obtained are correct and make
generalisations.
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Educational Science. 17(12), 4628-4640. https://doi.org/10.18844/cjes.v17i12.7039
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