Algebraic literacy skills of secondary school students

Abstract

Abstract The focus of this study is the mathematical literacy in the change and relationships section of the algebra and its use, which is called algebraic literacy. This study aims to obtain a description of algebraic literacy skills of VII grade students, it is analysed based on the mathematical literacy levels and indicators. This study is descriptive qualitative. The participants included 72 students from three secondary schools in Bandung. The data were collected using a test and interview. Based on the analysis, the students’ algebraic literacy skills are found to be low, at levels 1, 5, and 6, due to the lack of understanding of the relationship between arithmetic and algebra, the more complex of problem-solving questions, the structured questions with nonroutine type, and the students’ inaccuracy in formulating situations. Moreover, the achievement of ‘formulate’ and ‘interpret’ indicators are found to be lower since the students are less familiar with the concept of symbols used as the substitute for varying quantities, and are less able to contemplate the algebraic solutions, thus the problems cannot be interpreted properly.