IMPLEMENTATION OF DISCOVERY WORKSHEETS FOR IMPROVING MATHEMATICAL PROOF CONSTRUCTION ABILITY
Isnarto (a*), Mashuri (b)

a) Universitas Negeri Semarang
Jl. Raya Sekaran, Gunungpati, Semarang, Indonesia
*isnarto.math[at]mail.unnes.ac.id
b) Universitas Negeri Semarang
Jl. Raya Sekaran, Gunungpati, Semarang, Indonesia

Abstract

This paper examines the effectiveness of discovery worksheets to improve students^ ability to construct mathematical proofs. This study uses a pre-experimental model to compare the impact of treatment on two static groups, in the Algebraic Structures course. Learning in the experimental class uses discovery worksheets, while in the control class uses direct learning assisted by textbooks. The mathematical proof construction ability test was given in both classes before different treatments, to determine the initial ability. After 6 lectures, both classes received a final test of evidence construction ability. The effect test was carried out on the same initial ability pair. The effect test with a significance level of 0.05 resulted- (1) students^ mathematical proof construction ability in the experimental class with low initial ability, significantly better than the control class, (2) students^ mathematical proof construction ability in the experimental class with moderate initial ability, significantly better than the control class, but (3) students^ mathematical proof construction ability in the experimental class with the initial ability in the high category did not differ significantly compared to the control class. The results of this study recommend the use of discovery worksheets to improve mathematical proof construction skills, especially for students with low to moderate abilities.

Keywords: mathematical proof, discovery worksheet

Topic: Universal Quality Education