Agno National High School

SHS Department

CHAPTER I

INTRODUCTION

Background of the Study

Problem solving in mathematics education has been a prominent

research field that aims at understanding and relating the processes

involved in solving problems to students’ development of

mathematical knowledge and problem solving competencies

(Liljedahl, et al., 2016).

Problem-solving is a high-level thinking skill that requires the

ability to identify the nature of a problem, deconstruct it, and develop

an effective set of actions to address the challenges related to it,

which should be provided to students in the increasingly complex

world . Problem-solving is the cognitive process of finding a means to

achieve goals. Problem-solving helps students develop skills to solve

problems in the real world, and it influences how they construct their

thoughts and knowledge. Problem-solving gives students the

opportunity to work with their peers, interact socially, share new

ideas, think critically, and organize creative ideas in order to solve the

problem (Sinaga, et al., 2023).

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A research study that was conducted in Negeri Surabaya,

Indonesia, states that problem-solving skills are an indicator of

intellectual behavior and part of higher-order thinking skills. Based on

Polya's heuristic logic (1973), there are ten indicators of problem-

solving skills, namely: identifying the problem, formulating the

problem, planning to solve the problem, defining the purpose of the

problem-solving plan, exploring possible strategies, formulating a

hypothesis, carry out the problem-solving plan or experiment,

analysing the data, drawing a conclusion, and reflecting on problem-

solving (Zajuli, et al., 2019).

Problem solving has long been recognized as one of the

hallmarks of mathematics. One of the greatest goals of mathematics

education is to have students become good problem solvers.

Mathematics educators recognize the need to develop critical and

analytic thinking through problem solving. Also, the 2000 Principles

and Standards for School Mathematics reiterate the central place of

problem solving at all levels of mathematics as follows: By learning

problem solving in mathematics, students should acquire the ways of

thinking, habits of persistence and curiosity, and confidence in

unfamiliar situations that will serve them well outside the

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mathematics classroom. In everyday life and in the workplace, being

a good problem solver can lead to great advantages (Tan, 2018).

A study that was conducted in Mandaue City, Philippines,

indicates that teachers exposing students to difficult levels of

problems in order to improve their ability in solving problems by their

using problem solving skills. Students who experience problems can

enhance their positive attitude by using problem solving . Problem

solving is more vital if the basis and application of that knowledge are

well trained. Students who have high level of problem-solving skills

can give better performance in mathematics. Problem solving skill is

needed in nursing education and it needs to have further studies to

improve this skill . Problem solving can help the students to lessen

their stress and anxiety in Mathematics Problem Solving. Problem

solving can encourage students to become more motivated by the

help of peer learning (Moneva, et al., 2020).

Teachers need to understand students' potential, problems and

leaming difficulties in order to implement effective teaching strategy

and to produce meaningful learning among students. If learning

approaches and teaching strategies applied did not fulfil the

intellectual needs of the students these could lead to students'

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difficulties in learning mathematics. Aside from that, weakness in

understanding concepts, logic-thinking and lacking of strategic

knowledge caused errors in problem-solving (Fatimah, et al., 2013).

The advancement of problem-solving skills nowadays is a much-

focused goal to the grade level. Problem-solving skills have an

importance in the study of mathematics. The main goal in teaching

mathematical problem-solving is for the educators to develop a

generic ability in solving mathematical problems and mathematics in

real-life situations. It will be a benefit for a deeper understanding of

concepts. This study was conducted in Higher School of Natural

Sciences and Pedagogy, M. Auezov South-Kazakhstan University. The

purpose of education is to acquire practical knowledge which is

meaningful to our life. Problem-solving skills include analytical skills

and critical thinking. These skills will help students in many ways,

especially in decision making. Problem-solving helps students think

about many aspects of life practice. In this study, students will have

opportunities to explain their ideas, respond to the feedback of

others, and challenge their thinking (Tibor, et al., 2023).

Students who think math is all about the correct answer will need

support and encouragement to take risks. It will help students to give

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knowledge and improve their problem- solving skills. They will

enhance their ability so that they can apply it in their daily lives.

However, in some instances, students lack mathematical skills and

have difficulties solving math problems. This approach will help the

students realize that solving mathematics problems is enjoyable and

meaningful learning. With the effort of the researchers, this study

seeks to meet the expectations of a competent and unified workforce.

This study also wants to provide the students with the skills and

knowledge needed to become competitive individuals and achievers

someday. (Rosal, et al., 2024).

Every problem is an opportunity for learning. Everybody faces

many problems in life. Problem solving is the natural process in

human being, but we cannot that it will develop its best level. Various

types of co-curricular activities can be organize frequently to promote

the qualities such as cooperation, tolerance, open-mindedness and

sharing of responsibilities to enhance the problem solving ability

(Siga, 2021).

Currently, in Agno National High School, learners has their own

problem-solving skills. While some are still unsure on what level are

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they in. Thus, the researchers conducted this study to determine the

problem solving skills of SHS learners in Agno National High School.

Statement of the problem

This study will focus on determining the Problem Solving Skills

of Senior High School learners in Agno National High School.

Specifically, this study will seek to answer the following

problems:

1. What is the the level of problem-solving skills of the Senior High

School learners in Agno National High School?

2. What is the extent of difference that exists in the problem-solving

skills of learners when grouped according to:

a) Sex;

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b) Grade Level;
c) Strand?

3. What intervention plan can be proposed to improve the problem

solving skills of Senior High School learners in Agno NHS?

Research hypothesis

In view to these problems, the following hypothesis are

formulated which are to be tested in 0.05 level of significance.

HO1: There is no significant difference between the demographic

profile of learners to the level of problem-solving skills of SHS learners
in Agno National High School?

Conceptual Framework

The figure 1 presents the concept paradigm of the study. It

shows the flow of the research study in the I-P-O or the Input-Process-

Output model.

 Level of Collection of Data  Intervention plan

Problem- to improve the
Through:
Solving Skills Problem-Solving
of SHS  Survey Skills of SHS
Learners Questionnaires Learners

Analysis of Data
through
Statistical 7
Package for
Social Science
Agno National High School
SHS Department

The researchers conceptualized the paradigm of the study to show

the process that this research study had undergone.

The first box, contains the INPUT of the study. These are the

Level of Problem-Solving Skills of Senior High School learners in Agno

National High School.

The second box contains the PROCESS which described the

method in order to achieve successful outcome of the study. First, is

to gather data through survey questionnaires and analysis of data

through the use of Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS).

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SHS Department

The third box is the OUTPUT which presents the finished

results or the outcome of the input and the process. Through the

process used, and data gathered and analyzed, the researcher would

be able to develop a Intervention plan to improve the problem-solving

skills of SHS learners in Agno National High School.

Finally, the feedback loop is included at the bottom of the flow

chart to signify that there has to be a feedback along the process of

the research study.

Scope and Delimitation

This study will focus on identifying the level of problem-solving

skills of Senior High School learners in Agno National High School and

the extent of difference that exists when grouped according to their

sex, grade level and strand. Furthermore, the Junior High School

learners and elementary learners are not included in the present

study because the focus is specifically on Senior High School learners

at Agno National High School.

Significance of the Study

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Learners. Learners will benefit by gaining a clearer understanding of

their own problem-solving abilities, helping them to improve areas

of weakness and improve their strengths.

Teachers. This research will help teachers identify which strategies

are most effective in teaching problem-solving skills.

School Administration. School administrators can use the results to

inform policies and programs focused on improving problem-

solving instruction.

Future Researchers. The study will serve as a valuable reference

for future researchers looking to explore problem-solving skills in

educational settings.

Parents. The study will give an overview on how well their children

are developing problem-solving skills, a key factor in both academic

and personal success.

Definition of Terms

The following terms were defined for the clearer understanding:

Problem-Solving Skills- The abilities that enable individuals to

identify, analyze, and resolve challenges effectively. This includes

recognizing problems, brainstorming solutions, and implementing the

best course of action.

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Senior High School Learners- Individuals engaged in acquiring

knowledge or skills, particularly learners at Agno National High

School, who are developing their problem-solving abilities through

educational activities.

Agno National High School- An educational institution where

students develop various skills, including problem-solving techniques

essential for academic success.

Critical Thinking- The ability to analyze information objectively and

make reasoned judgments, essential for effective problem-solving.

Sex- This term refers to the biological classification of individuals as

male or female, typically based on physical characteristics and

reproductive functions. In the context of Agno National High School,

understanding the sex distribution among Senior High School learners

can provide insights into participation rates in problem-solving

activities.

Grade Level- The stage of education a student is in, specifically for

senior high school learners. This classification helps to understand the

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SHS Department

academic development of students and their readiness for more

complex problem-solving tasks.

Strand- to specialized tracks that students can choose based on their

interests and career goals. At Agno National High School, strands may

include Accountancy, Business and Management (ABM), Humanities

and Social Sciences (HUMSS), Science, Technology, Engineering, and

Mathematics (STEM), and Technical-Vocational-Livelihood (TVL) .

Each strand offers unique approaches to problem-solving relevant to

its field of study.

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