Computational Thinking Processes in Solving the Corona Epidemic Model: Pre-service Maths Teachers

Abstract

In the 21st century, pre-service mathematics teachers are expected to have problem-solving skills that are effective, efficient, and solutive and are in line with the mindset of computer experts. In learning mathematics, the concept of computational thinking (CT) is also needed and at this time, many still have difficulty solving mathematical problems in general, especially in solving problems in epidemic mathematical models. The subjects of this study were twenty-seven pre-service mathematics teacher students who took mathematical modeling courses. The researcher used the purposive sampling technique to select two research samples. The research method used was a descriptive qualitative research method in exploring the thinking process of pre-service mathematics teacher students in solving the problem of modeling the epidemic spread of disease. The results showed that the thinking process of the first subject began with identifying the problem and existing information by writing down the data in the form of a graph so as to get a certain pattern, which was then used as the basis for the process of transforming the problem into mathematical language. By adding assumptions related to the existence of environmental limitations in the next epidemic model, the concept of differential equations, in which there are integral properties and natural logarithms, can be used to find the solution to the epidemic model. The second subject was unable to solve the integral at hand. The researcher discovered that pre-service mathematics teacher students who correctly solved the problem in the mathematical model used CT components, namely decomposition, abstraction, pattern recognition, algorithm and mathematical literacy.