AN ALGEBRAIC THINKING SKILL TEST IN PROBLEM-SOLVING FOR SEVENTH GRADERS

TitleAN ALGEBRAIC THINKING SKILL TEST IN PROBLEM-SOLVING FOR SEVENTH GRADERS
Publication TypeJournal Article
Year of Publication2023
AuthorsJahudin, J, Siew, NM
JournalProblems of Education in the 21st Century
Volume81
Issue2
Start Page223-243
PaginationContinuous
Date PublishedApril/2023
Type of ArticleOriginal article
ISSN1822-7864
Other NumbersE-ISSN 2538-7111
Keywordsalgebraic thinking skills, linear equations, problem-solving, Rasch analysis, validity and reliability
Abstract

Diagnostic tests have been developed previously to measure algebraic thinking skills; however, the tests do not specifically address algebraic problem-solving. Thus, an Algebraic Thinking Test (ATT) Instrument was developed to measure algebraic thinking skills in problem-solving involving linear equations. ATT comprises nine open-ended questions with three algebraic thinking constructs: Generalized Arithmetic, Functions and Modeling. Generalized arithmetic involves students in efficient calculation and generalization; functional involves identifying number patterns, while modelling involves solving open-ended problems, identifying similarities, and performing calculations involving variables. This study is meant to determine the quality of ATT instruments through the validity and reliability analysis using the Rasch Measurement Model. The sample consisted of 120 seventh graders aged 12 to 13, selected from two secondary schools in the Tuaran district, Malaysia. The instrument was found to have a strong dimensionality and high construct validity. The reliability of Cronbach Alpha (KR-20) demonstrated a value of .90 (very high), and item and respondent reliability of .98 (excellent) and .86 (good), respectively, with an item separation index of 6.29 and 2.45 for the person separation index. ATT has good validity and high reliability in measuring algebraic thinking skills among seventh graders in secondary schools.

URLhttps://oaji.net/articles/2023/457-1683097601.pdf
DOI10.33225/pec/23.81.223
Refereed DesignationRefereed
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