The students' achievement of algebraic thinking ability using Merrill's First Principles of Instruction

• Published in: Journal of physics. Conference series Vol. 1188; no. 1; pp. 12039 - 12046
• Main Authors: Wilujeng, H, Kusumah, Y S, Darhim, D
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Bristol IOP Publishing 01.03.2019
• Subjects: Algebra; Atmospheric models; Childrens mathematics puzzles; First principles; Learning; Mathematical analysis; Students
• ISSN: 1742-6588; 1742-6596
• DOI: 10.1088/1742-6596/1188/1/012039

The purpose of this study is to develop algebraic thinking ability. It was because of the low ability of students in the mathematical representation using models, poor understanding in the use of symbols, errors in solving equations, and difficulties in composing general rules. This research used the quantitative approach using posttest-only control group design. The subjects in this study were 124 8th-grade students of junior high school in Tangerang, Indonesia. The students engaged in algebraic learning using Merrill's First Principles of Instruction (MFPI). The results show that the MFPI affected the achievement in algebraic thinking ability when the prior mathematical knowledge was in the high and intermediate category, while it did not significantly affect the achievement when the prior mathematical knowledge was in a low category. It was because MFPI learning requires good prior knowledge to build new knowledge. MFPI learning should be an alternative one for mathematics teachers. MFPI can improve students' algebraic thinking ability. Also, MFPI can develop an atmosphere of discussion, collaboration, and motivating each other in the learning.