Analysis of Students' Mathematical Communication Ability in Solving Algebra Problems by Considering Initial Ability and Habits of Mind

Communication skills are one focus of learning mathematics. However, facts in the field show that students’ mathematical communication skills are still relatively low. This study aims to describe the mathematical communication abilities of 7th-grade students at SMP Negeri 9 Surakarta in solving algebra problems, viewed from initial ability and habits of mind. It employs a qualitative method with a descriptive approach. The subjects of this study consist of 8 students selected by using a purposive sampling technique. We conducted data collection through questionnaires, tests, and interviews. The researchers tested the data validity using the triangulation method and analyzed them by reducing them on mathematical communication abilities, presenting them in descriptive form, and drawing conclusions. The result of data analysis showed that: 1) Students with high initial ability and high habits of mind can effectively explain mathematical ideas in writing, visually, and through mathematical models. 2) Students with high initial ability and low habits of mind are quite able to explain mathematical ideas in writing and can explain mathematical ideas in visual form but are less able to explain them through mathematical models. 3) Students with low initial ability and high habits of mind are quite able to explain mathematical ideas in writing and visually but are less able to explain them through mathematical models. 4) Students with low initial ability and low habits of the mind are less able to explain mathematical ideas in writing, quite able to explain mathematical ideas in visual form, and unable to explain them through mathematical models. This study provides new insights into students’ mathematical communication abilities, helping schools, teachers, parents, and students improve these skills.