The Implementation of research based learning in developing the students mathematical generalization thinking skills in solving a paving blocks design problem

Abstract

The mathematical generalization process is a powerful thinking skills that should be present in mathematical learning. Especially in the higher education students, the lecturer should maintain this process to sharp their deep understanding to form their mathematical generalization thinking skills. This paper aims to study the implementation of research based learning in developing students mathematical generalization thinking skills in solving a paving blocks design problems. The method used in this research is a mix method, which combines the qualitative and quantitative methods. The research subjects consisted of 40 students of experiment class and 35 students of control class. The pre test and post test were applied into two research classrooms to solve a square colored paving blocks design problem. Students are encourage to construct a design with two colors, namely blue and white and consider the beauty as a key factor too. The problem arising in the construction of a colorful paving design is how to develop a colored paving blocks decoration such that the number of colored paving respecting to several size of n x n form an arithmetic sequence, as well as the number of colored paving required can be determined easily. Once the problems done by the students, we analyze their level of three category of their mathematical generalization thinking skills, namely low, medium, high under the implementation of a research based learning. The results show, after the application of research based learning, 23% students are categorized in low level of mathematical generalization thinking skills, and 27% are categorized medium level of mathematical generalization thinking skills and 50% are categorized in high level of mathematical generalization thinking skills. The statistic analysis of students t-test score at level of confidence 5% is 0.041 (0.041< 0.05), which is significant. Thus, we conclude the implementation of research based learning can improve the students mathematical generalization thinking skills in solving a paving blocks design problem.