Visual Students: How Their Representation in Problem Solving?

Abstract

Mathematics is abstract because mathematical objects or symbols do not exist in reality, it is almost impossible to access them without employing representations. Representations may aid in the transformation of physical models into abstract ideas or symbols. Students require representation to be able to describe, explain, and extend mathematical concepts by stressing the significance of form. However, it is unknown if visual students can grasp all elements of representation. The purpose of this research is to characterize students with visual learning styles' mathematical representation abilities while solving problems involving relations and functions. This study takes a qualitative approach. The researcher created the research instrument, which is already valid. This study was performed at SMP Negeri 1 Purwadadi, with a total of 34 students in class IX receiving material on relations and functions as research subjects. The researchers gathered data using a questionnaire that classified learners' learning styles (auditory, visual, and kinesthetic), as well as mathematical representation skill tests and interviews. Technical triangulation is used to do triangulation. The data were examined using the reduction, presentation, and verification phases. The study's findings indicated that visual students had greater mastery of mathematical representation abilities in the visual aspects, but lacked mastery in the verbal aspects.