Difficulties in solving non-routine problems in mathematics learning

Abstract

Problem-solving requires students to apply and incorporate many mathematical concepts and skills. However, students were found to be having difficulty solving mathematics problems, especially non-routine problems. The present study will search the student’s error in mathematics skills and cognitive abilities that caused the difficulties in non-routine problems-solving among high-achieving students. A problem-solving test (PST) that comprises six non-routine problems distributed to the 83 high-achieving students. Then, eight students with most errors in the PST were interviewed to gain a clearer understanding of how that errors influence difficulties in nonroutine problem-solving. Descriptive analyses of students’ scripts on PST and students interview revealed that visual-spatial skills and information management skills were the most critical factors that caused students failed to understand and solve the problems.