ROLE OF SCAFFOLDING FOR REFLECTIVE THINKING ON THE MATHEMATICAL PROBLEM SOLVING

Abstract

Solving mathematical problems require knowledge and experiences to determine the right strategy. One of the efforts that can be used to encourage problem-solving skills is to develop reflective thinking. Reflective thinking can be a strategy to explore mathematical problem-solving abilities by questioning the answers or questioning the problems encountered so that new thoughts can be used to determine appropriate problem-solving strategies. Therefore, this study aims to explain the reflective thinking process carried out by prospective teachers in solving mathematical problems. This study used a qualitative research design with data collection through test and interview process as a triangulation stage. Participants in this study were 2 prospective teachers who carried out a reflective thinking process and were known through think aloud in implementing the test. The results showed that scaffolding was needed to complete the reflective thinking process in problem-solving. Two scaffolding positions appeared in the reflective thinking stage: (1) after the questioning and evaluating stages, scaffolding is needed as a bridge to the reasoning stage; (2) After the questioning stage, scaffolding is needed to bridge the evaluating and reasoning stages. In the reflective thinking process, scaffolding generates new knowledge to find the right problem-solving strategy.

Keywords

• problem solving
• prospective teachers
• reflective thinking