Analysis of Students' Difficulties in Understanding the Concept of Summation in Grade II Students of UPTD State Elementary School 124407 Pematangsiantar

This study aimed to analyze students’ difficulties in understanding the concept of addition, identify the factors causing these difficulties, and determine the teacher’s efforts to overcome them among second-grade students at UPTD SD Negeri 124407 Pematangsiantar. This study employed a qualitative approach with a descriptive research design. The subjects were second-grade students. Data were collected through observation, tests, interviews, and documentation. The results showed that students experienced difficulties in several addition indicators. Difficulties in carrying techniques were experienced by 19 students (79.2%), addition involving hundreds by 18 students (75%), column addition by 17 students (70.8%), addition word problems by 14 students (58.3%), addition involving tens by 8 students (33.3%), and addition involving units by 3 students (12.5%). These difficulties were reflected in errors in determining place values, arranging numbers, performing column addition, and applying carrying techniques. The factors causing students’ difficulties included limited understanding of concepts, lack of accuracy, difficulty remembering addition procedures, low learning interest, insufficient practice at home, and inadequate learning assistance. The teacher’s efforts included providing repeated explanations, examples, gradual exercises, individual guidance, and opportunities for students to ask questions. Therefore, gradual instruction, repeated practice, and cooperation among teachers, students, and parents are needed to help overcome students’ difficulties in understanding the concept of addition.