Mathematical Abstraction of Year 9 Students Using Realistic Mathematics Education Based on the Van Hiele Levels of Geometry

Abstract

Previous research regarding abstraction has not discussed abstraction qualitatively based on van Hiele levels. Thus, it is necessary to study abstraction analysis based on van Hiele levels through Realistic Mathematics Education (RME) approach. The purpose of this research was to analyze mathematical abstraction based on van Hiele levels of geometry (VHLG) through RME and traditional learning approach reviewed from the levels of prior knowledge. This research employed a descriptive qualitative method involving Year 9 junior high school students as the subjects. The instruments were a mathematical abstraction test, van Hiele geometry test, and interview guidelines. The results of the high- and medium-ability students in the classroom using RME approach showed that VHLG was at the Deduction level and the abstraction ability was dominated by Empirical and Reflective Abstraction, whereas the low-ability students are at the level of Abstraction, they had imperfect Empirical and Reflective Abstraction. As for the high-ability students in the traditional learning classroom, the VHLG was at the level of Abstraction; their Reflective Abstraction was at the Representation level. While concerning the low- and medium-ability students, the VHLG was at the Analysis level; they mastered the Reflective Abstraction at the level of Recognition. This study indicates that the RME approach can trigger the development of mathematical abstraction, and accelerate the van Hiele levels of geometry progress.