Abstract
This study explored the relationship between 4th-grade students’ functional literacy levels and their problem-solving skills and the effect level of students’ functional literacy experiences on their problem-solving ability. Employing the quantitative research approach, relational survey design, one of the general survey designs, was used in the study. The study universe was 4th-grade students attending public elementary schools in the central districts of Gaziantep. The study was conducted on a sample of 744 4th grade students who were selected by a simple random sampling method. In the study, data were collected with scales related to two different variables, functional literacy and problem-solving. Necessary approvals for the study were taken before the implementation. SPSS 15.0 package program was utilized to analyze the data. Frequency and percentage were performed to determine the demographic information of participating students; arithmetic mean, standard deviation and standard error were performed to determine the functional literacy levels and perception levels of problem-solving skills; Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient to determine the relationship between functional literacy and its sub-dimensions, and perceptions of problem-solving skills; and finally, multiple regression analysis calculations were made to determine the predictive power of functional literacy and its sub-dimensions on perceptions of problem-solving skills. According to the study results, students’ functional literacy levels were at a medium level and their problem-solving skills were at a partially high level. Also, there was a positive significant relationship between the students’ functional literacy levels and their problem-solving skills. Furthermore, it was determined that functional literacy and its sub-dimensions significantly predicted students’ problem-solving skills. The study results were discussed within the framework of the related literature.
Highlights
In the 21st century, an extraordinary change and transformation have occurred so far in many areas
This study explored the relationship between 4th-grade students’ functional literacy levels and their problem-solving skills and the effect level of students’ functional literacy experiences on their problem-solving ability
Unlike the studies in the literature, this study examined the relationship between the functional literacy levels of 4th grade students and their problem-solving skills and determine the effect level of students’ literacy experiences with their problem-solving skills
Summary
In the 21st century, an extraordinary change and transformation have occurred so far in many areas. Having objectives about the development of problem-solving skills at every grade level in the curriculum is important in terms of transferring literacy experiences to daily life In this context, it is a necessity to reveal the relationship between students’ functional literacy levels and problem-solving skills. Unlike the studies in the literature, this study examined the relationship between the functional literacy levels of 4th grade students and their problem-solving skills and determine the effect level of students’ literacy experiences with their problem-solving skills. In this context, it was aimed to reveal the effect of functional literacy activities carried out in the educational process on students’ problem-solving process in their daily lives. (1) What are the 4th grade students’ functional literacy and problem-solving skill levels? (2) Is there a significant relationship between the 4th grade students’ functional literacy and functional literacy sub-dimension levels (school, environment, family) and their problem-solving skills? (3) Are 4th grade students’ functional literacy levels significant predictors of their problem-solving skills? (4) Are 4th grade students’ functional literacy sub-dimension (school, environment and family) levels significant predictors of their problem-solving skills?
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
