(JIML) JOURNAL OF INNOVATIVE MATHEMATICS LEARNING
Vol. 9 No. 2 (2026): VOLUME 9 NUMBER 2, JUNE 2026

Gender Differences in Written Mathematical Communication: An Analysis of Students’ Problem-Solving Processes

Pieter Zakarias Tupamahu (Universitas Pattimura, Ambon, Indonesia)
Christina M. Laamena (Universitas Pattimura, Ambon, Indonesia)
Nelma Dortje Lethulur (Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Bandung, Indonesia)



Article Info

Publish Date
06 Jun 2026

Abstract

In mathematics education, written mathematical communication (WMC) is crucial for students to articulate problem-solving processes, yet gender differences and underlying weaknesses in high school contexts remain underexplored, particularly in linear programming tasks. This study aims to analyze the WMC of eleventh-grade high school students in solving linear programming problems from a gender perspective. A sequential explanatory mixed-methods approach was employed with 44 students from Ambon City high schools. Quantitative data from WMC assessments were analyzed using descriptive statistics and multiple linear regression to evaluate overall performance, indicator dominance (accuracy vs. completeness), and gender effects. Six participants were then purposively selected for semi-structured interviews based on ability levels (high, medium, low) and gender, providing qualitative insights into problem-solving phases. Results showed low overall WMC (male dominance: 27.4%; female: 29.6%), with accuracy (M = 53.54–54.5%) outperforming completeness (M = 32.32–32.83%). Regression analysis indicated no significant gender effect. Interviews revealed systematic weaknesses in the entry phase (contextual data interpretation), attack phase (symbolic-graphic representation), and review phase (reflective evaluation).  These findings highlight that WMC depends not only on computational skills but also on metacognitive abilities for coherent argumentation. Teachers should implement reflection-based learning to foster contextual writing, comprehensive visual labeling, and evaluative conclusions.

Copyrights © 2026






Journal Info

Abbrev

jiml

Publisher

Subject

Education Mathematics Other

Description

(JIML) JOURNAL OF INNOVATIVE MATHEMATICS LEARNING is published by IKIP Siliwangi publishes original research or theoretical papers about teaching and learning in mathematics education study program on current science issues, namely: 1. Mathematics educator in elementary, secondary and high school ...