Students’ Difficulties in Mathematics Problem-Solving: What do they Say?

Abstract

In Malaysia, like many other countries, problem solving is one of major aspect in mathematics curriculum which required students to apply and to integrate many mathematical concepts and skills as well as making decision. However, students were reported to have difficulties in mathematics problem solving. The focus of this study is to discuss the major mathematics skills and cognitive abilities in learning that caused the difficulties in mathematics problems-solving among students from students’ point of view. The study was carried out on three focused group samples that were selected through purposeful sampling. A mixed qualitative and quantitative approach is used in order to have clearer understanding. Apart from the questionnaire given, focused group interviews were carried out. Interviews were recorded and transcribed. Data finding was analyzed descriptively. Data findings showed that respondents lacked in many mathematics skills such as number-fact, visual-spatial and information skills. Information skill was the most critical. The deficiency of these mathematics skills and also of cognitive abilities in learning inhibits the mathematics problem-solving. This understanding on how the deficits influenced the problem-solving is expected to give effective guide lines in preparing diagnostic instruments and learning modules in order to develop the mathematics skills.