Universitas Islam Negeri Raden Mas Said Surakarta
International Conference on Islamic Education and Instruction

How Junior High Students Utilize Polya’s Method to solve Open- Ended Algebraic Problem?

Date Published : 13 February 2026

Contributors

Istnaniah Hani Salami

Author

Dewi Audia Arumsari

Author

Fuad Luky Atmaja

Author

Dimas Maulidani

Author

Keywords

Open-Ended Problems Algebra Polya Framework Analytical Thinking

Proceeding

Vol. 2 No. 1 (2025): International Conference on Islamic Education and Instruction 2025

Track

General Track

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the difficulties experienced by Junior High School (SMP) students in solving open-ended problems on algebra material and identify the contributing factors. Algebra is often considered an abstract and complex material because it involves symbols, variables, and mathematical operations that require deep conceptual understanding. The research gap emerges because there are still limited studies examining students' difficulties in the context of open-ended problems using Polya's problem-solving framework. This research employs a qualitative descriptive approach with a case study method. Research subjects consisted of several Junior High School (SMP) students in Boyolali who were purposively selected based on high, medium, and low academic ability levels. Data were obtained through observation, written tests, and in-depth interviews, then analyzed based on four problem-solving stages according to Polya, namely understanding the problem, devising a plan, carrying out the strategy, and looking back at the results. The research findings show that students' analytical thinking ability in solving open-ended algebra problems is still relatively low. The main obstacles found include difficulty understanding the problem's intent, limitations in formulating solution strategies, errors in algebraic manipulation, and lack of reflection on results. Contributing factors to these difficulties include the dominance of lecture methods, students' habit of working on single-answer problems, and weak mastery of basic algebraic concepts. This research recommends implementing problem-solving-based learning strategies and strengthening analytical thinking to improve students' flexibility and conceptual understanding in algebra learning.

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How to Cite

Istnaniah Hani , I. H. ., Dewi Audia, D. A., Fuad Luky, F. L., & Dimas, D. (2026). How Junior High Students Utilize Polya’s Method to solve Open- Ended Algebraic Problem?. International Conference on Islamic Education and Instruction, 2(1), 68-78. https://conferences.uinsaid.ac.id/iciei/paper/view/829