Improving mathematical literacy of problem solving at the 5th grade of primary students

Abstract

This quantitative descriptive study aims to describe the Mathematical Literacy of Grade 5 of Primary Students regarding their mathematical problem-solving abilities. The samples of this study were 35 5th-grade-students at Muhammadiyah Condongcatur Elementary School in academic year 2017/2018. The data were collected through observations and tests with five questions containing indicators of mathematical literacy regarding mathematical problem-solving abilities; two experts have validated the test instruments. Moreover, the test estimated Cronbach's alpha of 0.749 proved reliability. The data analysis in this study was carried out descriptively based on the average score, the standard deviation, the maximum score, the minimum score, the total score, and the percentage correct answer. The results showed that the mathematical literacy of the 5^th-grade students at SD Muhammadiyah Condongcatur was generally at the high category (indicated by the problem-solving abilities). Students have been able to understand a problem, to use logic to describe the solution to a problem, and to choose the most appropriate solution to solve a problem.