Student Errors in Completing Mathematical Story
Problems Based on Watson's Criteria During
Pandemic COVID-19
Malim Muhammad
{malim.muhammad@gmail.com}
Department of Mathematics Education, Faculty of Teacher Training
and Education, Universitas Muhammadiyah Purwokerto
Abstract. This study aims to describe students' mistakes in solving story problems based
on the Watson Criteria. The material used in this study is a two-variable linear equation
system and was implemented at SMP Negeri 1 Kembaran. This type of research is a
qualitative description. The subjects of this study were students of 7th grade class who
were selected through purposive sampling technique. Students are grouped into three
groups, namely groups of students with high, medium, and low learning achievement.
Three students were selected from the three groups. Data collection techniques using
written tests and interviews. The data validation test used technical triangulation by
comparing the results of written tests and interviews. The results showed that 1) high
learning achievement students made mistakes in the response level conflict stage, missing
conclusions, missing data, and indirect manipulation; 2) student learning achievement is
making mistakes at the stage of the problem of skill hierarchy, response level conflict,
missing conclusions, missing data, and indirect manipulation; and 3) students with low
learning achievement made mistakes at the stage of incorrect data, skill hierarchy
problems, inappropriate procedures, response level conflicts, missing conclusions, missing
data, and indirect manipulation.
Keywords: Student Errors, Watson's Criteria, Mathematical Story Problems, COVID-19
1 Introduction
The learning process in schools is the best effort to increase knowledge and skills. In
addition, many students think that school is a very fun activity, they can interact with each other.
Schools can improve students' social skills and social class awareness. But now the activity
called school has stopped suddenly because of the Covid-19 interference. For Indonesian
families is a big surprise especially for the productivity of parents who are usually busy with
work outside the home. Likewise with the psychological problems of the children of students
who are accustomed to face-to-face learning with their teachers. Mathematics has a big role in
everyday life, it can be seen that when learning mathematics, someone will learn to plan, decide,
and anticipate problems that come [1]. In solving mathemaical story problems, cognitive skills,
understanding of symbols, and understanding of sentences are needed [2]. Mastery of students'
math skills needs to be analyzed [3]. It aims to determine the extent to which students understand
the material given. Mathematical story problems related to everyday life [4]. Mathematical story
problems are a problem that can help students apply mathematical concepts in everyday life [5].
AECon 2020, December 19-20, Purwokerto, Indonesia
Copyright © 2021 EAI
DOI 10.4108/eai.19-12-2020.2309186