APPLYING THE APOS THEORY TO IMPROVE STUDENTS ABILITY TO PROVE IN ELEMENTARY ABSTRACT ALGEBRA

Abstract

This study is a quasi-experimental nonrandomized pretest-posttest control group design. The experiment group is treated by APOS theory instruction (APOS),that implements four characteristics of APOS theory, (1) mathematical knowledge was constructed through mental construction: actions, processes, objects, and organizing these in schemas, (2) using computer, (3) using cooperative learning groups, and (4) using ACE teaching cycle (activities, class discussion, and exercise). The control group is treated by conventional/traditional mathematics instruction (TRAD). The main purpose of this study is to analyze about achievement in proof. 180 students from two different universities (two classes at the Department of Mathematics UNAND and two classes atthe Department of Mathematics Education UNP PADANG) were engaged as the research subjects. Based on the result of data analysis, the main result of this study is that the proof ability of students' in the APOS group is significantly better than student in TRAD group, so it is strongly suggested to apply APOS theory in Abstract Algebra course.

DOA : http://dx.doi.org/10.22342/jims.13.1.80.133-148