Evaluating the levels of problem solving abilities in mathematics

ABSTRACT Currently, there is a general agreement among mathematics educators that students need to acquire problem solving skill, learn to communicate using mathematical knowledge and skills, develop mathematical thinking and reasoning, to see the interconnectedness between mathematics and other disciplines. Based on this perspective, this research looked into the levels of problem solving ability amongst selected Malaysian secondary school students. A sample of 242 Form Four science and non-science students from four schools in an urban district participated in this research. The respondents were asked to solve several mathematical problems. The students’ level of abilities in using basic knowledge, standard procedures and problem solving skills were evaluated from their written responses. The evaluation was done based on Polya’s problem solving model. Data were gathered through questionnaires and interviews. These data indicated that students have limited exposure to problem solving instruction. Research findings also showed that students have fairly good command of basic knowledge and skills, but did not show the use of problem solving strategies as expected. Generally, these students have a low command on problem solving skills. Most of the students were unable to use correct and suitable mathematical symbols and vocabulary in providing reasons and explanations for certain problem-solving procedures. It is hope that these findings will serve as a reference for educators in improving the learning and teaching of mathematics in general and problem solving instruction in particular