Analisis Kemampuan Representasi Matematis Siswa SMP Ditinjau dari Tingkat Kecerdasan Spasial Visual

Abstract

This study investigates the mathematical representation abilities of junior high school students in relation to their levels of visual-spatial intelligence, focusing on the context of three-dimensional geometry. The research addresses the pressing issue of students' difficulties in transforming contextual mathematical problems into appropriate visual, symbolic, and verbal representations, which is a critical skill for understanding and solving mathematical problems effectively. The primary objective is to describe the characteristics of students' mathematical representation abilities across high, medium, and low categories of visual-spatial intelligence. Employing a qualitative descriptive approach, the study was conducted at SMP Negeri 9 Tasikmalaya with selected eighth-grade students. Data were collected using validated visual-spatial intelligence questionnaires, contextual mathematical representation tests, and semi-structured interviews to explore students' thought processes. The analysis utilized data reduction, display, and conclusion drawing techniques to ensure credibility and reliability through triangulation. The findings indicate that students with high and medium visual-spatial intelligence successfully met all indicators of mathematical representation visual, symbolic, and verbal though attention to detail and consistency in written explanations varied. In contrast, students with low visual-spatial intelligence were able to fulfill visual and symbolic indicators but encountered significant challenges in verbal representation. These results highlight the importance of adaptive teaching strategies that recognize students' cognitive profiles, suggesting that enhanced use of visual aids and guided practice can improve mathematical representation skills. The study contributes valuable insights for educators aiming to optimize mathematics instruction based on students’ visual-spatial strengths and weaknesses.