Analysis of Students' Mathematical Literacy Skills in Solving Pythagorean Theorem Problems Based on Gender Differences

Abstract

This study aims to describe students' mathematical literacy skills in solving problems related to the Pythagorean Theorem from a gender perspective. The mathematical literacy indicators employed in this study include: (1) identifying mathematical statements and questions; (2) representing the identified information by interpreting and using tables, diagrams, or figures; (3) constructing mathematical models based on the given problems; (4) applying the mathematical models to solve the problems; and (5) drawing conclusions supported by appropriate reasoning. This study adopted a qualitative approach involving 35 students, comprising 18 male students and 17 female students. Data were collected through an essay-based mathematical literacy test and semi-structured interviews. The findings indicate that female students demonstrated higher mathematical literacy skills than male students across all assessed indicators of mathematical literacy.