ANALISIS KESULITAN BELAJAR MATEMATIKA SISWA SEKOLAH DASAR PADA MATERI PERKALIAN DAN PEMBAGIAN SISWA KELAS III

Abstract

This research is motivated by the low understanding of elementary school students on basic mathematical concepts, especially on multiplication and division, which has an impact on low learning outcomes and students' difficulties in solving mathematical problems in the form of arithmetic operations and word problems. The purpose of this research is to analyze the forms of mathematics learning difficulties experienced by third-grade elementary school students on multiplication and division and identify the causal factors. This research uses a qualitative approach with a descriptive method. The subjects of the research are third-grade elementary school students who experience difficulties in learning mathematics. Data collection techniques are carried out through written tests to measure student abilities, interviews to obtain information related to learning barriers, and observations to observe the learning process in the classroom. The data obtained are then analyzed through the stages of data reduction, data presentation, and drawing conclusions. The results of the study indicate that students experience various difficulties, including difficulty in understanding the concept of multiplication as repeated addition and division as repeated subtraction, difficulty in memorizing basic multiplication facts, errors in understanding and solving word problems, and lack of accuracy in performing calculations. Factors contributing to learning difficulties include internal factors such as low student interest, motivation, and self-confidence, as well as external factors such as insufficiently varied learning methods, limited use of learning media, and lack of ongoing practice. Based on the research findings, it can be concluded that learning difficulties in mathematics regarding multiplication and division remain a significant problem, necessitating improvement efforts through the implementation of innovative learning strategies, the use of concrete media, and contextual approaches to optimally improve student understanding and learning outcomes.