A Study on Problem-Solving Ability as a Predictor of Academic Achievement in Mathematics among Higher Secondary Students

Abstract

The present study is based on the problem-solving ability as predictor of mathematics achievement of the higher secondary students. Problem-solving ability is regarded as one of the most important variables that affect students’ success in mathematics education in the modern era, in which emphasis is laid on higher-order thinking skills. This study used descriptive survey design and employed stratified random sampling technique to achieve a sample of 285 higher secondary students. A standardized problem-solving ability test and mathematics scores from academic records were used to collect data. The findings from the study show moderate problem-solving skill and mathematics achievement level of students. A strong positive and statistically significant relationship was found between problem-solving ability and academic achievement. Further analysis with regression revealed problem solving ability to be a significant predictor, explaining a significant amount of variance in students’ mathematics performance. The results show that students who have higher analytical reasoning, logical thinking and strategic problem solving abilities have better academic results. The study highlights the need for problem-solving approach in teaching and learning in Mathematics. It highlights the importance of changing the way mathematics is taught and taught with a focus on the students, encouraging them to think and apply mathematical concepts to real-life situations. The implications of the findings for teachers, curriculum developers and policy makers in improving mathematics performance at the higher secondary level are important. Problem-solving ability can be further studied as a predictor for students’ mathematical development in future research within the following methodological approaches: longitudinal method and mixed method, this to find out more holistic picture of problem-solving ability in the mathematics learning process in various educational levels, subjects and geographical areas.