Symbolic and Verbal Representation Process of Student in Solving Mathematics Problem Based Polya’s Stages

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to reveal how the construction process of symbolic representation and verbal representation made by students in problem solving. The construction process in this study referred to the problem-solving stage by Polya covering; 1) understanding the problem, 2) devising a plan, 3) carrying outthe plan, and 4) looking back. This research was qualitative research by getting involved 4 students of Junior High School class VIII. This study obtained results that the construction process of symbolic representation made by students since in the process of understanding the problem. In understanding the problem, students were able to identify the problem well. Then students could make the symbol used as a variable that the value was not known. By using the symbol students could perform a series of calculation to obtain the value of the symbol. Symbols created by students were very helpful and facilitated students in solving problems. While in the construction process, verbal representation was done by students since the process of understanding the problem. The form of verbal representation was manifested by writing down all information known from a slightly changed problem because they used a language that they understood more. Based on the known information, students could plan and performed a series of calculations using written sentences so that the problems could be solved properly.