Tian Abdul Aziz, Makmuri, Lukman El Hakim
Combinatorics is considered as an important topic in discrete mathematics course, yet it is considered as one of the more challenging topics of mathematics to teach and to learn. The objective of this case study was to examine the performance of forty-two pre-service secondary mathematics teachers in solving combinatorial problems. They are in fifth semester students' mathematics education study program at one public university in Jakarta Indonesia. Employing test administration, they were given three problems from three different topics in discrete mathematics, namely, binomial theorem, combination, and the pigeonhole theorem. Using content analysis, participants responses were analyzed to shed light on the correctness and strategies/concept used. The findings indicated that most participants encountered difficulties in dealing with the problems. Besides, they considered and leveraged different concepts and strategies to solve each problem. Their success in solving problems relies on their comprehension of concepts and encountered problems and choosing and executing the strategy appropriately. Referring to these findings, we suggest several recommendations for delivering the topics of combinatorics in discrete mathematics course to promote proper understanding and students success in problem solving. © 2024 Author(s).
State University of Jakarta, Jl. Rawamangun Muka, East Jakarta, Jakarta, 13220, Indonesia
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