The Use of Metacognitive Strategies in Solving Mathematical Problems

Abstract

The ability to solve mathematical problems is useful not only for the absorption of knowledge, but also for the formation of thinking and attitude in solving the problems. This research was conducted to describe the metacognitive strategies that students undertake when solving mathematical problems. Metacognitive strategy is one of the methods used in problem solving that emphasizes to build the well-structured of thinking, by deciding what to do and where to go in realizing and overcoming obstacles. Data obtained through problem solving by the subject and then analyzed qualitatively. Through the application of metacognitive strategies, a systematic and well-structured problem solving is implemented based on the logical thinking steps, and allows to the right solution. For students, metacognitive strategies are very important to build a strong foundation of thinking and to be applied in various situations and levels of complexity problems.