Analysis of Students' Misconceptions by Using a Three-Tier Diagnostic Test on the Equations of a Line at 8th Grade

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the students' misconceptions by using a three-tier diagnostic test on the equations of a line in 8^th grade. The research method used in this study is qualitative research, which refers to the analysis description of students' misconceptions. The subjects in this study were the students of Grade VIII in SMP Negeri 24 Makassar, which consisted of 34 students. Based on the considerations of the mathematics teacher, students' test results, and coordination with the students related to their willingness to participate in interviews, four students who experienced the misconception were selected. The instruments consist of two components, namely the main instrument and supporting instrument, the researcher herself is the main instrument, while the three-tier test and interview guide are the supporting instruments. The results of the data analysis were obtained, two students experienced classificational misconceptions, two students experienced correlational misconceptions, and four students experienced theoretical misconceptions.  The study results show that the students who experienced classificational misconceptions could not utilize the information contained in the questions and experienced misunderstandings related to the concept of straight-line equation material. Furthermore, students who experienced correlational misconceptions have not been able to describe how to obtain the data presented on the answer sheet and to understand the relationship of other concepts with the concepts that will be used to solve the problems contained in the matter of the equations of straight lines. Meanwhile, students who experienced theoretical misconceptions could not re-interpret the material for straight-line equations and found the material for the equations of a line hard to understand