Students Mathematical Thinking Ability in Solving Geometry Problems based on Cognitive Style

Abstract

Students are expected to have higher order thinking skills, yet they were rarely given problems to practice those skills during the primary, junior high and senior high schools. In regard to solve the problems, everyone has different characteristics in compiling and processing information as well as experiences that they are owned, this is known as cognitive style. The purpose of this study was to determine students’ mathematical thinking ability and the influence of cognitive style on mathematical thinking ability to solve geometry problems. This study employed descriptive method by involving 29 students who took geometry courses as the subjects. Mean score and linear regression analysis were used to analyze the research data. The results showed that students’ mathematical thinking ability in solving geometry problems were in the qualification grade C+and there was a significant influence of cognitive style on students’ mathematical thinking ability