Mathematics Education Journal
Vol. 20 No. 3 (2026): Mathematics Education Journal

Mathematical Thinking as Discourse: A Commognitive Analysis of Students with Different Problem-Solving Behavior

Ahmad Dzulfikar (Faculty of Science and Technology, Universitas Islam Negeri K.H. Abdurrahman Wahid Pekalongan, Pekalongan, Indonesia)
Turmudi Turmudi (Department of Mathematics Education, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Bandung, Indonesia)
Tatang Herman (Department of Mathematics Education, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Bandung, Indonesia)
Kusnandi (Department of Mathematics Education, Universitas Pendidikan Indonesia, Bandung, Indonesia)
Angga Hidayat (Honors College, Florida Gulf Coast University, Fort Myers, United States of America)



Article Info

Publish Date
12 Jul 2026

Abstract

Mathematical thinking is essential in problem-solving, yet few studies have systematically examined differences in students’ mathematical thinking across analytical frameworks, particularly in relation to problem-solving behavior. This study investigates how different problem-solving behavior types reflect variations in students’ mathematical thinking processes from a commognitive perspective. An interpretive qualitative design with commognitive discourse analysis was employed. The participants were 35 students, from whom representatives of three problem-solving behavior groups were purposively selected for in-depth interviews. Data were collected through written tasks and semi-structured interviews and analyzed by examining word use, visual mediators, routines, and narratives. The findings revealed that students’ problem-solving behavior is associated with differences in their mathematical thinking processes. Students with sophisticated problem-solving behavior demonstrated explorative routines that produced substantiation narratives. Routine students showed specializing and generalizing processes but relied mainly on ritual routines and memorization narratives. In contrast, naïve students performed only limited specialization for number manipulation and failed to progress to other mathematical thinking stages, resulting in incorrect solutions. These findings clarify the relationship between mathematical thinking processes and problem-solving behavior and highlight the importance of fostering productive problem-solving behavior to strengthen students’ mathematical thinking in school mathematics.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

jpm

Publisher

Subject

Education Mathematics Other

Description

Jurnal Pendidikan Matematika or Mathematics Education Journal is an electronic peer-reviewed international journal, provides a forum for publishing original research articles, reviewing articles from contributors, and publishing novel technology news related to mathematics education. This journal is ...