Mathematical Olympiad issues to identify students' reasoning ability using Polya's model

Abstract

This research aims to describe the level of mathematical reasoning ability of students in solving mathematical Olympiad problems based on problem-solving of the Polya model. This study employed descriptive analysis with a qualitative approach. Data were collected by using observation, documentation, and interviews. The study subjects were 27 junior high school students participating in the National Science Competition in Indonesia. Meanwhile, the Miles and Huberman analysis model was used as the data analysis. The results of this study indicated that: (1) the level of students’ mathematical reasoning-ability based on the problem-solving of Polya models in the category of "sufficiently competent" (high-group students), in the category of "less competent" (medium-group students), and in the category of "incompetent" (low-group students); (2) the most complex and rarely performed stages by students in Polya’s model were at the "devising a plan" and "looking back" stages; and (3) the Polya's model used in solving mathematical Olympiad test items was more suitable for those considered as routine-questions, and it was not suitable for non-routine questions. This study also showed that, on average, the students had difficulty finding initial ideas to start working on the test items.