Analysis of Students’ Mathematics Performance in Solving the PISA Standard Based Test Item Using a Qualitative Content Analysis Method

Abstract

The research aims to describe the gradation level and to analyze the math performance of students aged 15 years in Jember Regency, East Java, Indonesia in solving PISA standardized tests in 2015 using qualitative content analysis method. Questions used as a research instrument was essay questions which referred to the rules of PISA 2015 and adjusted to actual conditions in the students’ environment. In this research, the analysis of student's mathematics performance would be based on three abilities namely formulating, implementing, and interpreting problems related to space and shape. The research participants were 120 students aged 15 years or born in 2002. Stages of this research referred to the stage of qualitative content analysis methods, namely (1) giving test, (2) presenting in detail about the mathematics performance of students, and (3) doing in-depth interview. The result showed that there were 20.8% of students at level 1, 19.2% of students at level 2, 20% of students at Level 3, 16.7% of students in level 4, 7.5% of students at level 5, 6.7% of students at level 6, 2.5% of students in level 7, 1.7% of students respectively at the level 8, 9, and 10, and 0.8% of students at level 11 and 12. In general, students in Jember Regency in solving PISA standardized tests in 2015 had a good performance because 40% of students were at level 1 and 2. The tendency of students having the ability to implement an idea in their mind was very optimal rather than the indicator of the ability to interpret and formulate.