Profil Pemecahan Masalah Pola Bilangan Ditinjau Dari Gaya Belajar Siswa Kelas VIII Budi Utomo SMP Negeri 14 Palu

Problem-solving is an essential mathematical competency
influenced by students’ different learning styles. This study
aimed to describe the mathematical problem-solving profiles
of eighth-grade students at SMP Negeri 14 Palu on number
pattern material based on visual, auditory, and kinesthetic
learning styles. A descriptive qualitative approach was
employed. Three students were selected as research subjects,
each representing one learning style identified through a
learning style questionnaire. Data were collected using
questionnaires, written problem-solving tests, and semi
structured interviews. The analysis was based on Polya’s
four stages of problem-solving: understanding the problem,
devising a plan, carrying out the plan, and looking back.
Data were analyzed through data condensation, data display,
and conclusion drawing. The findings revealed that students
with visual and auditory learning styles successfully
completed all four problem-solving stages. In contrast, the
kinesthetic learner completed the first three stages
effectively but encountered difficulties in the final stage of
reviewing the solution. These findings suggest that learning
styles influence students’ approaches to mathematical
problem-solving. Therefore, teachers should implement
varied instructional strategies that accommodate different
learning styles and provide structured guidance, particularly
for kinesthetic learners, to strengthen their ability to evaluate
and verify their solutions independently.