PROFILE OF JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS’ CRITICAL THINKING ON MATHEMATICAL PROVING BASED ON SEX DIFFERENCES

Abstract Developing critical thinking in solving a problem is one of the aims in learning mathematics. Critical thinking is defined as a mental activity involving organized ways in processing information which consists of looking for clarity, analyzing, evaluating and determining decisions. Critical thinking is needed in mathematical proving and it can be seen through the process of solving mathematical proving done by the students. Sex differences have probability to influence the students’ critical thinking. This study is included into qualitative research by using interview method which was based on the test aiming to describe the critical thinking profile of junior high school students in mathematical proving of number based on sex differences. The subject of this study consisted of one male and one female student with the same level of high competence chosen among five male and five female students that closely identify critical thinking in proving based on the most variation in students’ answer. The data were analyzed based on the indicators of critical thinking which consist of clarification, assessment, inference and strategy. Based on the result of the study, the steps and strategy done by male and female subject in doing proving were relatively showing similarity. Both subjects used picture representation in proving. In clarification category, both subjects identified information which was known and precisely proven by interpreting word by word. Both subject also identified the relation of parts which was needed in proving by using their prior knowledge.  However, the male subject had more details than the female one. In the assessment category, both subjects were able to evaluate the steps done in proving. In inference category, both subjects were able to describe and explain the steps used as well as the reasons in every step. The male student was able to do the proving with more than one method, even he was able to describe and explain every step as well as the correct reasons so that he fulfilled the strategy category. On the other hand, the female subject was unable to do the proving in more than one method so that she did not fulfill the strategy category. Keywords: Critical Thinking, Mathematical Proving, Se