Analisis Kesulitan Siswa SMP dalam Menyelesaikan Soal Matematika Berbasis High Order Thinking Skills (HOTS)

Abstract

This study aims to describe the abilities and difficulties of junior high school students in solving mathematics problems based on Higher Order Thinking Skills (HOTS). The study employed a qualitative approach with a descriptive design. The research subjects consisted of 26 students who took a written test comprising five open-ended questions at the analyzing (C4) and evaluating (C5) cognitive levels. Based on the test results, two students were purposively selected for interviews: S4 from the high-ability category and S25 from the low-ability category. Data were collected through tests, semi-structured interviews, and documentation, and were analyzed using data reduction, data presentation, and conclusion-drawing models. The results showed that 4 students (15.4%) fell into the high-ability category, 15 students (57.7%) into the medium category, and 7 students (26.9%) into the low category. Student S4 was able to understand the problem, formulate a mathematical model, determine a strategy, execute procedures, and evaluate the answer. Conversely, Student S25 experienced difficulties in understanding information, identifying variables, converting word problems into a system of linear equations in two variables (SPLDV) model, executing procedures, and checking answers. These difficulties were linked to limited conceptual understanding, unfamiliarity with non-routine problems, and a tendency to apply procedures without understanding their purpose. These findings underscore the need for instruction that strengthens modeling, reasoning, the use of varied contextual problems, and answer verification.