Novita Vindri Harini, Mukhtamilatus Sa'Diyah, Endah Budi Rahaju
Operations research lectures are a continuation of the linear programming mathematics topics taught in high school. To obtain data related to student understanding, this preliminary study was carried out so that an overview of how students can design contextual problems related to operations research and the process for solving them is described. A total of 37 students were involved, but only 30 of their tasks were varied. In designing the problem, 15 students did not do it realistically (using numbers and context that could not be justified by the real situation). Overall, designing problems is of the single optimum solution type even though there are three types (single optimum solution, multiple optimum solution, and unbounded solution). Even though they had been given an example of a problem with three variables, they chose to design with two variables because they only understood graphical solving methods. In solving the problem, only two students applied technology to the end (obtaining the optimum solution). They use GeoGebra to draw inequalities and feasible regions. Using concepts related to probe lines to determine the optimum solution and finally finding satisfactory coordinates. Because many things were discovered in this research process, it is necessary to carry out further studies, for example, to analyze students' difficulties in applying technology or other difficulties. It is hoped that the results of this study can add to the map of understanding regarding the real conditions of students taking operations research courses and how to motivate them appropriately. © 2025 Author(s).
Mathematics Education Study Program, Universitas Negeri Surabaya, Surabaya, Indonesia
