Non-routine mathematical problem-solving strategies across personality traits

Abstract

The present study identified several strategies of non-routine mathematical problemsolving across-trait personality among Form 4 students fr om jive schools in Pasir Gudang. A total of 500 students were selected based on their achievements in mathematics. They were given two sets of instruments: (I) a set of mathematics problem-solving questions and (if) inventory of five-factor personality traits . The findings showed that respondents with dominant pers onality trait of openness used a variety of strategies, namely logical reasoning , looking fo r patterns, drawing a diagram, and solving a simple problem to solve non-routine mathematical pro blems. The respondents were more likely to use logical reasoning strategy to solve those questions. Even though respondents with dominant personality traits of conscientiousness and agreeableness used logical reasoning strategy, only afew respondents managed to solve the given problem with this strategy. In conclusion, students who were more open possessed more skills in solving non-routine mathematical problems. The study highlighted those students who were more open, managed to successfully completed non-routine mathematics questions.. Theref ore, teachers should take initiatives to improve the quality ofteaching methods to train and guide students who have the dominant p ersonality traits of conscientiousness, extraversion, neuroticism and agreeableness since they are capable of solving non-routine mathematical problems. As a result, this effort can increase the number ofstudents who are capable to p erf orm in Mathematics.