Number sequence as a context for creating a mathematical problem

Abstract

Creating a problem is one cognitive process of Bloom’s taxonomy. By making a problem and the answer on their own, causes students to understand more complex context problems. Applying number sequence challenges students to apply higher-order thinking skills and emphasize exploration, investigation, conjecture, and generalization. From the previous explanation, the purpose of this study is to explore the ability of students in creating mathematical problems in the context of numbers based on the ‘degree of reality’ and based on innovation on mathematics problems. This descriptive explorative study is collected from 24 prospective mathematics teachers that consist of 4 males and 20 females in a university. All students have to answer one question about creating word problems related to number sequence and the answer. Those problems then were analyzed and categorized based on the modification of innovation on mathematics problems by Vistro-Yu and based on ‘degree of reality’ by de Lange. The result of this study, modification is the most emerging technique among all, and the least are addition and replacement. Based on ‘degree of reality,’ only one-fourth of the number of students successful in creating a camouflage context. This result leads to only forth of the number of students successful in creating word problems. The implication of this study is the choice of students in making questions at least provides an overview of the highest level of difficulty, according to students. In mathematics learning, the lecturer should plan assessments and evaluations that need to be developed to build students’ abilities to make mathematics as a whole by connecting subjects in mathematics and to make mathematics more relevant to reality.