Unlocking Mathematical Minds: Exploring Creative Thinking, Critical Thinking, and Problem-Solving Skills of Generation Z Learners
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| Title: | Unlocking Mathematical Minds: Exploring Creative Thinking, Critical Thinking, and Problem-Solving Skills of Generation Z Learners |
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| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Jhea O. Laurilla (ORCID |
| Source: | International Journal of Research in Education and Science. 2026 12(2):544-556. |
| Availability: | International Society for Technology, Education, and Science. e-mail: ijresoffice@gmail.com; Web site: https://www.ijres.net/index.php/ijres |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 13 |
| Publication Date: | 2026 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Grade 10 High Schools Secondary Education |
| Descriptors: | Creative Thinking, Critical Thinking, Problem Solving, Grade 10, High School Students, Foreign Countries, Predictor Variables, Correlation, Mathematics Education, Thinking Skills |
| Geographic Terms: | Philippines |
| ISSN: | 2148-9955 |
| Abstract: | This study investigates the level of creative thinking, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills of Generation Z learners in Mathematics, focusing on 77 Grade 10 students from five public schools in the district of Tangalan, Aklan, Philippines. Using a quantitative correlational research design, the study employed cluster sampling to select one section per school, and G*Power was used to determine the appropriate sample size. Three test instruments were utilized to assess the levels of creative thinking, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. The Mathematical Creative Thinking Test included four items: Items 1 and 2 were adopted from Paniagua (2022), Item 3 was based on Ariawan et al. (2024), and Item 4 from Fauzi et al. (2019). Descriptive statistics such as mean, standard deviation, and frequency were used to analyze students' performance levels. Pearson's r and multiple regression analyses were employed to explore relationships and predictive effects. The findings revealed that most learners demonstrated moderate creative thinking and problem-solving skills, while critical thinking was predominantly at Level 1 (Beginning). Correlation and regression analyses indicated no significant relationships or predictive effects among the three variables. These findings suggest that creative thinking, critical thinking, and problem-solving are distinct cognitive skills that must be developed independently. While this study confirms that Gen Z learners exhibit varying proficiency levels in these skills, its broader implication lies in understanding how these abilities develop independently rather than in a sequential or interdependent manner. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2026 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1506081 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | This study investigates the level of creative thinking, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills of Generation Z learners in Mathematics, focusing on 77 Grade 10 students from five public schools in the district of Tangalan, Aklan, Philippines. Using a quantitative correlational research design, the study employed cluster sampling to select one section per school, and G*Power was used to determine the appropriate sample size. Three test instruments were utilized to assess the levels of creative thinking, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. The Mathematical Creative Thinking Test included four items: Items 1 and 2 were adopted from Paniagua (2022), Item 3 was based on Ariawan et al. (2024), and Item 4 from Fauzi et al. (2019). Descriptive statistics such as mean, standard deviation, and frequency were used to analyze students' performance levels. Pearson's r and multiple regression analyses were employed to explore relationships and predictive effects. The findings revealed that most learners demonstrated moderate creative thinking and problem-solving skills, while critical thinking was predominantly at Level 1 (Beginning). Correlation and regression analyses indicated no significant relationships or predictive effects among the three variables. These findings suggest that creative thinking, critical thinking, and problem-solving are distinct cognitive skills that must be developed independently. While this study confirms that Gen Z learners exhibit varying proficiency levels in these skills, its broader implication lies in understanding how these abilities develop independently rather than in a sequential or interdependent manner. |
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| ISSN: | 2148-9955 |
