Effect of Problem Solving Teaching Method in Mathematics on the Performance of 7th Grade Students

Abstract

The study aimed to analyze the effect of problem-solving teaching methods in mathematics on the achievements of elementary level students. The major objective of the study was to; i. To compare the mathematics academic achievements and ability of problem-solving among 7th class students taught through traditional and problem-solving teaching methods. 7th class students of Govt.Secondary School 47 NB Sargodha were divided into two groups and randomly assigned as contro land experimental groups. Two tests were validated through peer review, expert opinion and pilot testing; one “Problem Solving Ability Test in mathematics” (PSATM) and “Achievement Test in mathematics” (ATM) for 7th grade were used as pre-test and post-test. The experiment was conducted for a period of six weeks. The t-test and ANOVA were applied for data analysis. The major conclusion was that the participants treated with a new method of problem-solving teaching showed better results than the participants taught by traditional teaching methods in the achievement test and problem-solving ability test. It is recommended that elementary level mathematics teachers teach the students by using problem-solving teaching methods in their lesson plans for the development of problem-solving ability among learners.