An in-Depth Analysis of Students’ Mathematical Connections in the Context of the Pythagorean Theorem

Main Article Content

Sevilla Tita Azzahra
Allysa Ramadhani Octafian
Padilah Rahmah
Cerio Rahmat Fajar
Suripah

Abstract

Purpose – Mathematical connection ability is a high-order thinking skill necessary for linking mathematical concepts across topics, disciplines, and real-life contexts. Preliminary observations suggest that many students struggle to establish these connections, particularly when learning the Pythagorean Theorem.


Methodology – This study employed a qualitative descriptive research design using a case study method. The sample consisted of 22 students, with four participants purposively selected to represent varying levels of mathematical connection ability. Data were collected through a six-item written test developed based on NCTM indicators and supported by semi-structured interviews for triangulation. Data were analyzed qualitatively to identify patterns in students' mathematical connection performance.


Findings – The study found that students generally demonstrated high levels of mathematical connection ability, with a mean score of 70.26%. Most students were able to connect mathematical concepts across different topics and disciplines. However, they encountered difficulties in applying mathematical ideas to real-life situations. These findings highlight the gap between theoretical understanding and practical application.


Novelty – This study contributes to the literature by providing in-depth insights into students’ levels of mathematical connection ability, particularly in contextual problem-solving involving the Pythagorean Theorem.


Significance – The findings are beneficial for mathematics educators, curriculum designers, and educational policymakers to enhance instructional strategies and support applied mathematical thinking in students.

Article Details

How to Cite
Tita Azzahra, S., Octafian, A. R., Rahmah, P., Fajar, C. R., & Suripah. (2025). An in-Depth Analysis of Students’ Mathematical Connections in the Context of the Pythagorean Theorem. Indonesian Journal of Teaching and Learning, 4(3), 143–160. https://doi.org/10.56855/intel.v4i3.1485
Section
Articles

References

Aini, J., & Saputro, M. (2023). Analisis Kesalahan Siswa Dalam Menyelesaikan Soal Cerita Materi Peluang Berdasarkan Tahapan Polya. Sigma: Jurnal Pendidikan Matematika, 15(1), 71–80. https://doi.org/10.26618/sigma.v15i1.11417

Amilawati, D. (2025). Peningkatan Kemampuan Koneksi dan Penalaran Matematis Siswa Sekolah Menengah Pertama melalui Pendekatan Pembelajaran STEM. 09, 151–159.

Asbar, V., Sains, U., & Nyak, C. (2024). Matematika Kelas XI MA Muhammadiyah Boarding. 8(1).

Baiduri, Putri, O. R. U., & Alfani, I. (2020). Mathematical connection process of students with high mathematics ability in solving PISA problems. European Journal of Educational Research, 9(4), 1527–1537. https://doi.org/10.12973/EU-JER.9.4.1527

Banne, R. S. R. R. L., Pulukadang, R. J., & Regar, V. E. (2024). Analisis Kesalahan Siswa Dalam Menyelesaikan Soal Cerita Pada Materi Pythagoras Berdasarkan Teori Kastolan Di Smp Negeri 2 Langowan Analysis. 7(2).

Bungin, B. (2007). Penelitian Kualitatif (2nd ed.). Kencana.

Creswell. (2018). Research Design: Qualitative, Quantitative, and Mixed Methods Approaches. In Writing Center Talk over Time. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780429469237-3

Duma, S. Y., Modjo, A. S., & Walid, A. (2024). The role of Mathematics Education in Developing Critical Thingking Skill in the Industrial Era 5 . 0. 1(December), 1–11.

Evy yosita Silvia, Zulkardi, D. (2009). Pengembangan Soal Matematika Model Pisa Pada Konten Uncertainty Untuk Mengukur Kemampuan Pemecahan Masalah Matematika Siswa Sekolah Menengah Pertama.

Fahira, J., Arjudin, A., Amrullah, A., & Subarinah, S. (2023). Analasis Kemampuan Koneksi Matematis Ditinjau Dari Tipe Kepribadian MBTI (Myers Briggs Type Indicator) Siswa Kelas VII SMPN 6 Mataram pada Materi Perbandingan Tahun Ajaran 2022/2023. Jurnal Ilmiah Profesi Pendidikan, 8(3), 1768–1774. https://doi.org/10.29303/jipp.v8i3.1581

Faridayanti, I., Nasrullah, A., Hidayat, A., & Kania, N. (2024). The Impact of the Discovery Learning Model on Mathematical Communication Skills and Study Habits of Junior High School Students. 16–29.

Fatunnisa, S. H., & Fitri, H. (2021). Kemampuan Koneksi Matematis Siswa Kelas VII.4 SMP N 1 2 X 11 Kayutanam. CIRCLE : Jurnal Pendidikan Matematika, 1(02), 39–51. https://doi.org/10.28918/circle.v1i02.3930

Hartini, Z. (2022). Pengaruh Kemampuan Pemahaman Konsep Matematika dan Kemampuan Numerik Terhadap Kemampuan Menyelesaikan Soal Cerita. Jurnal Riset Pendidikan Matematika Jakarta, 4(1), 12–22. https://doi.org/10.21009/jrpmj.v4i1.23022

Haryanti, Lastini, Setyaningsih, dan S. (2024). Analisis Kesulitan Belajar Peserta Didik Sekolah Dasar Terhadap Kemampuan Koneksi Matematis Dalam Statistika. 09.

Hutneriana, R., Hidayah, I., Dwijanto, & Wardono. (2024). Meningkatkan Kemampuan Koneksi Matematis melalui Pembelajaran Matematika Realistik. PRISMA, Prosiding Seminar Nasional Matematika, 7, 529–538.

Imani, R. A., Maimunah, M., & Roza, Y. (2023). Kemampuan Koneksi Matematis Siswa SMP pada Materi Statistika. JIPM (Jurnal Ilmiah Pendidikan Matematika), 12(1), 110. https://doi.org/10.25273/jipm.v12i1.12718

Istiqomah, F. (2022). Membangun Kemampuan Komunikasi Matematis Dalam Pembelajaran Matematika. Jurnal Teknologi Dan Bisnis, 4(2), 135–142. https://doi.org/10.37087/jtb.v4i2.100

Jailani, Retnawati, H., Apino, E., & Santoso, A. (2020). High school students’ difficulties in making mathematical connections when solving problems. International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research, 19(8), 255–277. https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.19.8.14

Khoiri, M., Lestari, A. S. B., & Rayungsari, M. (2024). Analisis Kemampuan Koneksi Matematis Berdasarkan Teori Kastolan Di MA At Taqwa Cabean. Indonesian Journal of Teaching and Learning (INTEL), 3(3), 157–168. https://doi.org/10.56855/intel.v3i3.1133

Lappan, G. (2002). Getting to know connected mathematics: an implementation guide.

Latifah, A. G., Quini, I. F., & Aripin, U. (2024). Kemampuan Berpikir Komputasi Ditinjau dari Kecemasan Belajar Matematika. 09(September), 351–360.

Lenaini, I. (2021). Teknik Pengambilan Sampel Purposive Dan Snowball Sampling. HISTORIS: Jurnal Kajian, Penelitian & Pengembangan Pendidikan Sejarah, 6(1), 33–39. http://journal.ummat.ac.id/index.php/historis

Luna, S., Liana, M., & Azmi, R. D. (2024). Analisis Kesalahan Siswa Berdasarkan Teori Nolting dalam Menyelesaikan Soal Literasi Matematika Ditinjau dari Gaya Golb. 16, 269–283.

Mahendra, N. R., & Mulyono. (2016). Analisis Kemampuan Koneksi Matematis Siswa SMA Ditinjau dari Gaya Kognitif pada Model PBL. Prosiding Seminar Nasional Matematika X Universitas Negeri Semarang, 4, 62–71.

Mila, S. N. J. A., Yayan, Y. E. S., Fara, S. S. F., Teeside, S. V. S., & Zoker, E. M. (2023). The Process of Students’ Mathematical Literacy in Solving System of Two Variables Linear Equation Based on Level of Ability. Numerical: Jurnal Matematika Dan Pendidikan Matematika, 7(2), 333–344. https://doi.org/10.25217/numerical.v6i2.3859

Moleong. (2020). Kemampuan Koneksi Matematis berdasarkan Minat Belajar Siswa. JURING (Journal for Research in Mathematics Learning), 3(3), 275. https://doi.org/10.24014/juring.v3i3.10346

NCTM. (2000). Standards for school mathematics. Reston, VA: National Council of Teachers of Mathematics.

Nurwita, F., Kusumah, Y. S., & Priatna, N. (2022). Exploring students’ mathematical computational thinking ability in solving pythagorean theorem problems. Al-Jabar : Jurnal Pendidikan Matematika, 13(2), 273–287. https://doi.org/10.24042/ajpm.v13i2.12496

Nyimbili, F., & Nyimbili, L. (2024). Types of Purposive Sampling Techniques with Their Examples and Application in Qualitative Research Studies. British Journal of Multidisciplinary and Advanced Studies, 5(1), 90–99. https://doi.org/10.37745/bjmas.2022.0419

Palinkas, L. A., Horwitz, S. M., Green, C. A., Wisdom, J. P., Duan, N., Hoagwood, K., Angeles, L., & Northwest, K. P. (1968). Purposeful sampling for qualitative data collection and analysis in mixed method implementation research. Dental Survey, 44(12), 73. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10488-013-0528-y.Purposeful

Rahmawaty, A., & Nurmeidina, R. (2023). Analisis Kesalahan Siswa Dalam Menyelesaikan Soal Ulangan Harian Matematika Pada Materi Teorema Phytagoras Di Masa New Normal. EMTEKA: Jurnal Pendidikan Matematika, 4(1), 126–140.

Romiyansah, R., Karim, K., & Mawaddah, S. (2020). Analisis Kemampuan Koneksi Matematis Siswa Pada Pembelajaran Matematika Dengan Menggunakan Model Pembelajaran Inkuiri Terbimbing. EDU-MAT: Jurnal Pendidikan Matematika, 8(1), 88–95. https://doi.org/10.20527/edumat.v8i1.8342

Rustam, R., Fitriawan, D., & Zubaidah, Z. (2021). Kemampuan Koneksi dan Representasi Matematis serta Cara Pembelajaran Matematika di SMA. JURNAL E-DuMath, 7(2), 81–92. https://doi.org/10.52657/je.v7i2.1547

Sugiyono, S. (2015). Metode penelitian & pengembangan research and development. Bandung: Alfabeta.

Tama, D. A., & Setyadi, D. (2022). Kemampuan Koneksi Matematis Siswa dalam Memecahkan Masalah Matematika Materi Trigonometri. Jurnal Cendekia : Jurnal Pendidikan Matematika, 6(2), 1536–1548. https://doi.org/10.31004/cendekia.v6i2.1303

Tinambunan, R. R., Pratiwi, S., Ulandari, N., & Ni’mah, N. T. A. (2023). Meningkatkan Kemampuan Berpikir Kritis Matematika Peserta Didik di Sekolah Dasar pada Era Digital. Jurnal Pendidikan Guru Sekolah Dasar, 1(2), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.47134/pgsd.v1i2.149

Wardhana, I. R., & Fuady, A. (2024). Analisis kemampuan koneksi matematis peserta didik dalam menyelesaikan soal pythagoras ditinjau dari gaya kognitif. JPMI (Jurnal Pembelajaran Matematika Inovatif), 7(5), 863–874. https://doi.org/10.22460/jpmi.v7i5.21943

Yunita, D. Y., Utami, R. E., & Aini, A. N. (2024). Analisis Kemampuan Koneksi Matematika pada Materi Statistika Ditinjau dari Self Confidence. Imajiner: Jurnal Matematika Dan Pendidikan Matematika, 6(3), 89–94. https://doi.org/10.26877/imajiner.v6i3.18966