Problematika Pembelajaran Matematika pada Pokok Bahasan Eksponen dan Alternatif Pemecahannya

Abstract

. The aims of writing this article are to analyze the presumption regarding on exponent learning difficulty as well as to give alternative solution to resolve this problem. There are several presumptions of students’ difficulties in exponent learning difficulty, i.e. difficulty in comprehending concept, doing arithmetical operation, and students’ carelessness to do the tasks. Alternative solutions which teacher can provide to minimize the difficulties in doing  exponent task are re-emphasizing the evidences and explications of the nature of exponent, relating concept with students’ daily experience taken from their natural environment to create more meaningful learning, using parables or easily accessible and inexpensive props which are represented the situation, training students to make concept mapping to assist them in arranging concept and to avoid misconception, giving more variety task, re-emphasizing the arithmetical operation of fraction, always giving information of mistakes made by the students in doing the exponent task. A lot of practice in doing task will make students have more opportunity to develop their mathematics skills. However, in order not to make students bored in taking task of exponent problem, teacher can apply games during the leaning process. One of games that can be used is Domino for learning exponent. The aims of this game are to train students’ accuracy, intelligence, creativity, as well as to enrich students’ knowledge in mathematics.