Impact of Gender, Family and School on Problem-Solving Ability and Mathematics Achievement

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Bibliographic Details
Title: Impact of Gender, Family and School on Problem-Solving Ability and Mathematics Achievement
Language: English
Authors: Laishram Nirtish Singh (ORCID 0000-0002-2360-8110), Laisom Sharmeswar Singh (ORCID 0009-0006-7858-8248), Jocyline Thokchom (ORCID 0000-0002-7850-6090)
Source: Journal of Education and Learning (EduLearn). 2026 20(1):600-607.
Availability: Institute of Advanced Engineering and Science. C5 Plumbon, Banguntapan, Yogyakarta, 55198, Indonesia. e-mail: edulearn@uad.ac.id; Web site: http://edulearn.intelektual.org/index.php/EduLearn/
Peer Reviewed: Y
Page Count: 8
Publication Date: 2026
Document Type: Journal Articles
Reports - Research
Education Level: Secondary Education
Descriptors: Problem Solving, Mathematics Skills, Mathematics Achievement, Secondary School Students, Gender Differences, Family Characteristics, Institutional Characteristics, Geographic Location, Mathematics Instruction, Foreign Countries
Geographic Terms: India
ISSN: 2089-9823
2302-9277
Abstract: This study examines the problem-solving ability and mathematics achievement of secondary school students. It explores how these variables relate to gender, type of family, school type, and locality of school. Using a descriptive correlational method, the study sampled 1,200 students from Manipur, India. The investigators employed two tools they developed- the problem-solving ability test in mathematics and the mathematics achievement test (MAT) to gather data. The findings reveal that most students exhibit average problem-solving ability and mathematics achievement levels, irrespective of gender, type of family or locality of school. However, school type significantly impacts performance, with 39% of private school students achieving average mathematics achievement scores, compared to 43% of government school students scoring below average. A moderate positive correlation was identified between problem-solving ability and mathematics achievement across all demographic groups. These results underscore problem-solving ability as a critical determinant of success in mathematics, with implications for educators and policymakers. The study highlights the need for interventions focused on enhancing students' problem-solving ability to improve overall mathematics performance. Future research should explore additional variables and broader regional contexts to deepen understanding and inform targeted strategies. By addressing these dynamics, this study contributes to the development of more equitable and effective educational practices.
Abstractor: As Provided
Entry Date: 2026
Accession Number: EJ1495294
Database: ERIC
Description
Abstract:This study examines the problem-solving ability and mathematics achievement of secondary school students. It explores how these variables relate to gender, type of family, school type, and locality of school. Using a descriptive correlational method, the study sampled 1,200 students from Manipur, India. The investigators employed two tools they developed- the problem-solving ability test in mathematics and the mathematics achievement test (MAT) to gather data. The findings reveal that most students exhibit average problem-solving ability and mathematics achievement levels, irrespective of gender, type of family or locality of school. However, school type significantly impacts performance, with 39% of private school students achieving average mathematics achievement scores, compared to 43% of government school students scoring below average. A moderate positive correlation was identified between problem-solving ability and mathematics achievement across all demographic groups. These results underscore problem-solving ability as a critical determinant of success in mathematics, with implications for educators and policymakers. The study highlights the need for interventions focused on enhancing students' problem-solving ability to improve overall mathematics performance. Future research should explore additional variables and broader regional contexts to deepen understanding and inform targeted strategies. By addressing these dynamics, this study contributes to the development of more equitable and effective educational practices.
ISSN:2089-9823
2302-9277