Elementary Students Perceptions Towards Mathematics Problem Solving

Abstract

Real life problems can be found within schools’ curricula, such as in mathematics, and solving mathematical problems, addressed to as problem solving in this study, often relate mathematics to real life situations, contexts students are familiar with and can relate to. However, students worldwide often comment that Mathematics problems are really difficult, and Lebanese secondary teachers complain that students reach Grade 12 and are still unable to think logically. Therefore, this article reports on a part of a larger study that aimed to understand students’ challenges and perceptions towards problem solving (PS) in Grade 4, 5, and 6 (n=558) in private schools in Tripoli- Lebanon. The researcher used the questionnaire method to collect data, summarize and analyze students’ perceptions towards PS. Findings indicated that language and analytical skills are among the most challenges faced by students. Recommendations for acknowledging these difficulties and adopting teaching strategies that tackle these problems were also provided.

Keywords: Mathematics problem-solving, Elementary, Cycle 2, Students perception.

DOI: 10.7176/JEP/14-27-03

Publication date:September 30^th 2023