AL JABAR: Jurnal Pendidikan dan Pembelajaran Matematika
Vol. 5 No. 3 (2026): Juli

ANALISIS KESULITAN MAHASISWA DALAM MENYELESAIKAN SOAL KALKULUS BERDASARKAN TAHAPAN PEMECAHAN MASALAH POLYA

Novita Erni Hendrawati (Universitas Muhammadiyah Papua Barat)
Teguh Santoso (Universitas Muhammadiyah Papua Barat)
Mokh. Dedi Penta Putra (Universitas Muhammadiyah Papua Barat)



Article Info

Publish Date
03 Jul 2026

Abstract

This study aimed to analyze students’ difficulties in solving calculus problems based on Polya’s problem-solving stages. The study employed a qualitative approach with a descriptive research design. The participants consisted of 18 students of the Mathematics Education Study Program who had completed the Calculus course. Data were collected through written tests and interviews. Furthermore, three subjects were purposively selected for in-depth analysis based on variations in ability and characteristics of their responses. Data analysis was conducted using Polya’s problem-solving stages, namely understanding the problem, devising a plan, carrying out the plan, and looking back. The findings revealed that students experienced difficulties across all stages of problem solving with varying levels of occurrence. At the understanding stage, students encountered difficulties in identifying the concept of definite integrals. At the planning stage, students tended to apply procedures mechanically. The most dominant difficulties occurred in carrying out the plan and looking back, as indicated by errors in applying concepts, algebraic operations, and limited evaluation of the obtained solutions.  

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Journal Info

Abbrev

Al-Jabar

Publisher

Subject

Mathematics

Description

Al Jabar: Jurnal Pendidikan dan Pembelajaran Matematika is an open access and peer-reviewed journal of Mathematics and Mathematics Education published by the Prodi Tadris Matematika STAI Muhammadiyah Probolinggo. This journal is published twice a year (June and December) in both print and online ...