Students’ thinking process in solving two variables linear equation system problem based on systemic and intuitive cognitive style

This study describes the students’ thinking processes in solving two variables linear equation system problems based on students’ systematic and intuitive cognitive styles. This research is a descriptive qualitative research. This study uses a questionnaire given to 19 students at one junior high school in Pamekasan Regency to see the students’ cognitive style. Based on the results of the study among 19 students in class 8.6 there were 12 students (63.16%) with split cognitive style, 1 student (5.26%) with undifferentiated cognitive style, 3 students (15.79%) with systematic cognitive style, 1 student (5.26%) with integrated cognitive style, and 2 students (10.52%) with an intuitive cognitive style. From the 19 students, 2 students were taken as research subject in which 1 student had systematic cognitive style and 1 student had intuitive cognitive style. Both subjects were given 2 problems about the two variable linear equation systems to see students’ thought processes based on APOS theory. The results of the study stated that students’ thinking processes in solving problems are different. Students with systematic cognitive styles tend to be more accurate and coherent in solving problems than students with intuitive cognitive styles. The students’ thinking process with systematic cognitive styles in solving two variables linear equation system problems involves the stages of action, process, objects and schemas. On the other hand, the students’ thinking process with an intuitive cognitive style in solving problems is not optimally conducted at the stages of action and process. This result can help teachers in understanding students’ thinking processes in solving problems so that it can be used to determine the right strategies in the learning process to improve their thinking processes.