MATHEMATICIANS DON’T NEED TO READ MUCH: MYTH OR FACT?

Abstract

This study aims to determine the direct effect of Reading Comprehension (RC) on Mathematics Problem Solving (MPS), the direct effect of Mathematics Growth Mindset (MGMS) on MPS, and the indirect effect of RC on MPS through MGMS. RC itself is the ability to understand what is read. The level is no longer just knowing letters and being able to spell words but is already able to understand implicit and explicit messages in a reading. The ability to read properly is still homework for the Indonesian people. This is because RC ability is needed in every aspect of life, including in the field of mathematics. One of the mathematical abilities that are expected to be mastered is problem-solving ability. Someone who has good RC skills will find it easier to understand the meaning of a math problem. The difficulty of Indonesian students in solving word problems, one of the reasons is the lack of understanding of the problem. Apart from RC, psychological factors such as MGMS have recently been widely touted as factors that have a major influence on MPS abilities. Someone who has MGMS will not easily give up on facing difficult math problems. Also, they will perceive mistakes as a means to continue learning. There are 110 samples who are willing to complete a series of tests. This study applies Structural Equation Modeling (SEM) processed with AMOS. The result is that there is a direct effect between RC and MPS and there is also a direct effect between RC and MGMS. However, there is no indirect effect between RC and MPS through MGMS.