Analisis Kemampuan Pemecahan Masalah Matematika Berdasarkan Tahapan Polya Ditinjau dari Self-Efficacy Peserta Didik

This study aims to describe students’ mathematical problem-solving abilities on the topic of Systems of Linear Equations in Two Variables (SPLDV) based on Polya’s problem-solving stages in relation to their levels of self-efficacy. The research employed a descriptive qualitative approach with three ninth-grade students from SMP Negeri 5 Gresik in the 2024/2025 academic year, selected through purposive sampling to represent high, medium, and low levels of self-efficacy. Data were collected using a self-efficacy questionnaire, problem-solving tests consisting of two contextual essay items on SPLDV, and semi-structured interviews. Data analysis followed the interactive model of Miles, Huberman, and Saldana, encompassing data reduction, display, and conclusion drawing, referring to Polya’s four stages: understanding the problem, devising a plan, carrying out the plan, and looking back. The results revealed that students with high self-efficacy were able to complete all four stages comprehensively and reflectively, demonstrating systematic and accurate reasoning. Students with medium self-efficacy successfully performed the first three stages but failed to verify their final results, while students with low self-efficacy only reached the stage of understanding the problem and struggled to plan or execute solutions. In conclusion, the level of self-efficacy influences students’ mathematical problem-solving performance, particularly in terms of strategic accuracy, procedural precision, and reflective evaluation.