Perbandingan Kemampuan Pemecahan Masalah Matematik Siswa SMK Otomotif Ditinjau dari Self-Efficacy dan Gender

Abstract

This study investigates the comparative mathematical problem-solving abilities of vocational high school students in automotive engineering, focusing on the influence of self-efficacy and gender. The urgency of this research stems from the persistent low mathematical problem-solving skills among Indonesian vocational students, despite the national agenda to enhance education quality for a competitive workforce. Employing a quantitative ex-post facto design, the study involved 44 randomly selected students from a public vocational school in Tasikmalaya, using validated questionnaires for self-efficacy and gender identification, alongside contextual analytical tests on linear equation systems. Descriptive and inferential statistics, including two-way analysis of variance, were applied to analyze the data. The findings reveal that although most students reported high self-efficacy, their overall mathematical problem-solving abilities remained low. There was no significant difference in problem-solving performance between students with high and low self-efficacy. However, a significant gender difference was observed, with female students—despite being a minority—consistently outperforming male peers. No significant interaction effect was found between self-efficacy and gender on problem-solving skills. These results suggest that self-efficacy and gender independently affect mathematical problem-solving, highlighting the need for gender-responsive and context-based instructional interventions. The study recommends the adoption of project-based learning and contextualized tasks to bridge the gap between practical skills and mathematical abstraction, as well as ongoing support for female students in male-dominated environments. The findings offer empirical insights for educators and policymakers aiming to enhance mathematics education within vocational contexts.