Contextual mathematical problem solving to train student’s metacognitive ability Available to Purchase

Contextual mathematical problems are the problems that are presented using certain contexts. In solving mathematical problems, involving metacognition activities will have an important impact on one’s mindset. Through the application of metacognitive strategies, there will be a problem-solving process more systematic, well-structured, built on a logical frame of mind, and allows obtaining the right solution. This research is an exploratory study with a qualitative approach. The research subjects were students of mathematics education at Halu Oleo University in their first year. The data was obtained through giving tests to the subjects which were completed by thinking aloud, and followed by interviews. The results showed that when solving contextual mathematical problems showed differences in metacognition activities carried out by subjects when compared to the solving formal mathematical problems. This shows that through solving contextual mathematical problems can encourage someone to involve more metacognition activities and more complete when compared to solving formal mathematical problems. Through contextual mathematical problem solving students will involve complex thinking abilities and their metacognitive abilities from the beginning of the solving process until a solution is obtained. So that the activity of solving contextual math problems can train students’ metacognition abilities.