Authors :
Dr. Sita Devi; Gian Singh
Volume/Issue :
Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 3 - March
Google Scholar :
https://tinyurl.com/y5acafa8
Scribd :
https://tinyurl.com/2s3drxch
DOI :
https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26mar1374
Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.
Abstract :
Problem solving ability plays a central role in determining learner’s success in mathematics by promoting
conceptual understanding. The present study explores the influence gender and problem-solving ability on mathematical
achievement of secondary school students. To achieve the objectives of the present study, a survey technique under
descriptive method of research was adopted. Total sample of 1518 grade 9
th school students were selected from different
districts of Himachal Pradesh by employing a random sampling technique from different schools affiliated with Himachal
Pradesh Board of School Education, Dharamshala. For measuring the student’s problem-solving skills and Mathematics
Achievement, Problem-solving ability Test and Mathematics Achievement Test were used. Statistically data was analysed
by employing Analysis of variance (Two Way ) for 2x3 factorial design of the study i.e. two types of gender and three level
of problem solving ability ( i.e. high, moderate and low). Major findings of the study revealed that gender has a significant
main effect on mathematical achievement of secondary school students. Further findings identified that problem solving
ability has significantly influenced the mathematical achievement of students at secondary stage. In addition to this, results
also indicated that gender and problem solving ability (in combination with each other) did not significantly affect the maths
achievement of secondary school students.
Keywords :
Gender, Mathematical Achievement, and Problem-Solving Skills and Secondary Level.
References :
- Abdullah, M., & Hamoud, M. (2025). The effect of mathematical puzzles on students’ problem-solving ability and mathematics achievement. Education Research International, 2025, 1–9.
- Ahmed, W., Minnaert, A., Kuyper, H., & Van der Werf, G. (2021). Reciprocal relationships between mathematics achievement and problem solving ability among secondary school students. Educational Psychology Review, 33(2), 673–694. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-020-09540-8.
- Bloom, B. S. (1956). Taxonomy of educational objectives: The classification of educational goals. Longmans, Green.
- Gomez-Talal, I., Bote-Curiel, L., & Rojo-Alvarez, J. L. (2025). Understanding disparities in mathematics performance using machine learning and SHAP analysis. arXiv Preprint. https://arxiv.org/abs/2501.01234.
- Hooda, Madhuri (2018). Effect of Problem Solving Ability on Mathematics Achievement among Secondary School Students: An Empirical Study. Research Review International Journal of Multidisciplinary, 3(8), 653-658.
- Milovanović, I. (2020). Mathematics anxiety, gender differences, and mathematics achievement among secondary school students. European Journal of Education Studies, 7(9), 1–15.
- Opesemowo, A. G., Olosunde, G. R., & Ariyo, S. O. (2025). Improving mathematics achievement through after-school intervention programs. Education Sciences, 15(2), 210.
- Piaget, J. (1970). Science of education and the psychology of the child. Orion Press.
- Polya, G. (1945). How to solve it: A new aspect of mathematical method. Princeton University Press.
- Putri, C. V., &Miatun, A. (2023). Mathematical problem-solving ability and mathematics achievement among high school students. Prisma Sains, 11(1), 55–63.
- Schoenfeld, A. H. (1985). Mathematical problem solving. Academic Press.
- Suparman, Juandi, D., & Herman, T. (2021). Students’ emotions in mathematical problem solving and their influence on mathematics achievement. Journal of Physics: Conference Series, 1806, 012067.
- Szczygieł, M. (2020). When does mathematics anxiety predict mathematics achievement? Educational Psychology, 40(2), 1–18.
- Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in society: The development of higher psychological processes. Harvard University Press.
Problem solving ability plays a central role in determining learner’s success in mathematics by promoting
conceptual understanding. The present study explores the influence gender and problem-solving ability on mathematical
achievement of secondary school students. To achieve the objectives of the present study, a survey technique under
descriptive method of research was adopted. Total sample of 1518 grade 9
th school students were selected from different
districts of Himachal Pradesh by employing a random sampling technique from different schools affiliated with Himachal
Pradesh Board of School Education, Dharamshala. For measuring the student’s problem-solving skills and Mathematics
Achievement, Problem-solving ability Test and Mathematics Achievement Test were used. Statistically data was analysed
by employing Analysis of variance (Two Way ) for 2x3 factorial design of the study i.e. two types of gender and three level
of problem solving ability ( i.e. high, moderate and low). Major findings of the study revealed that gender has a significant
main effect on mathematical achievement of secondary school students. Further findings identified that problem solving
ability has significantly influenced the mathematical achievement of students at secondary stage. In addition to this, results
also indicated that gender and problem solving ability (in combination with each other) did not significantly affect the maths
achievement of secondary school students.
Keywords :
Gender, Mathematical Achievement, and Problem-Solving Skills and Secondary Level.