Failure in Constructing the Mathematical Model in Real-World Problems

Constructing the correct mathematical model is the main key to solving mathematical modeling problems, but students most often fail at this process. Understanding the failure characteristics of constructing a model can be used to correct student errors. This study aims to discuss the characteristics of failures in constructing mathematical models carried out by the students in algebra subject matter. This study used an exploratory descriptive design approach and involves 41 mathematics education students to solve mathematical modeling test questions. The results showed four types of failure characteristics in constructing the model. First, misunderstand type is characterized by disability in capturing important facts from the problem and compiling a model only procedurally. Second, misconnection type is marked by incompetence in making connections between important facts. Third, missspeculation type is noted by the incapacity in making speculations about important facts. Fourth, misslogic type is signed by the inability to use logical facts. Therefore, lecturers or teachers must be more careful to improve the teaching process to be more comprehensive and carry out appropriate scaffolding to overcome the students’ difficulties in solving mathematical modeling problems, especially in constructing mathematical models. The appearance of each error indicates the need for certain repairs. Error correction should be handled based on the characteristics that arise.