H. Yansa, H. Retnawati, M. Janna
This research was conducted to identify students' misconceptions of algebraic concepts. The researcher implemented a qualitative method with phenomenological design. The data were collected by conducting a test and an interview. Thirty students at the seventh grade were given a test, and six students were chosen to be interviewed. The subjects were selected by applying a purposive sampling technique. The research results indicated that the students have several misconceptions of basic algebra, such as on the degrees of the equation, variables, coefficients, and constants. Besides, students have difficulties identifying some variables in a function which resulted in errors in identifying the general form of linear equation in one variable. In other words, the students have not reached the algebraic thinking level yet. One of the factors which cause misconception is students' understanding of the basic concepts presented in the textbook, and the information delivered by the teacher was understood partially. As a result, the implications of this study are the students need special assistance. At the same time, innovative teaching strategies must be implemented by the teacher in teaching linear equation in one variable. © Published under licence by IOP Publishing Ltd.
Program Studi Penelitian Dan Evaluasi Pendidikan, Pascasarjana Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Indonesia; Fakultas Matematika Dan Ilmu Pengetahuan Alam, Universitas Negeri Yogyakarta, Jl. Colombo No.1 Karang Malang, Caturtunggal, DIY, Indonesia; Program Studi Fisika, Magister Universitas Gadjah Mada, Jl. Bulaksumur, Caturtunggal, DIY, 55281, Indonesia
