Mathematical Problem Solving Ability and Academic Achievement Among Higher Secondary Students

Abstract

Mathematics is one of the important subjects in school education. Mathematic introduces and develops the “problem - solving” concept, fundamental component of school learning with a strong formative effect on students. In mathematics problem solving represents the most effective concept to conceptualization and re-conceptualization of concepts, to operational and basic mathematical knowledge transfer to ensure a sustainable and meaningful learning. The present survey research intended to find the levels of mathematical problem solving ability and achievement in mathematics of higher secondary first year students for that the required data were collected from360 sample using random sampling technique along the Mathematical Problem Solving Ability Test (MPSAT) and achievement test in mathematics. The finding reveals that mathematical problem solving ability and achievement in mathematic of higher secondary first year students are found to be average. There is a significant difference among students on their mathematical problem solving ability in terms of their residential background and medium of instruction. Considering achievement in mathematics there is also significant in terms of their gender.