Authors : Asit Mishra; Manaswini Sarangi; Ashis Dash

Volume/Issue : Volume 11 - 2026, Issue 6 - June

Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/2659uken

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/bdd2493d

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/26jun1150

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.

Abstract : Secondary school students’ problem-solving skills are vital and help in increasing their critical thinking, decision making, and quality learning. The study is entitled “Problem-Solving Skills of Secondary School Students: A Comparative Study Based on Gender and Locality” study to look for any significant difference in problem-solving capacities according to the gender and place that they are going into. A descriptive survey approach was used by the study. Using stratified random and simple random sampling techniques, from Balasore district, Odisha 120 secondary school students were selected for the sample. It consisted of 60 male and 60 female pupils, 60 rural and 60 urban pupils. Data was collected with the Questionnaire on Problem-Solving Skills (QPSS), an instrument compiled by the researcher that consists of 30 questions over five dimensions: identifying a problem, analyzing the problem's situation, generating alternatives, making decisions and implementing solutions. Reliability of the tool was acceptable (Cronbach’s alpha = 0.82). Data analysis was performed using mean, standard deviation, and independent samples t-test. No difference in problem-solving skills was found between male and female (t = 0.86, p =. 392) or between rural and urban students (t = 0.42, p =. 675). Interpretation of effect size also indicated that there were negligible differences in these two comparisons. From the result, it can be concluded that gender and locality do not have any significant effect on secondary school students’ problem-solving skills. For example, it underlines the need more equitable learning experience and enhancement in learner-cantered instructional practices so that better problem-solving abilities can be developed for all students. Its findings provide evidence for educational planning and policy.

Keywords : Problem-Solving Skills, Gender, Locality, Secondary School Students.

References :

1. Aiyesi, S. B., Ayu, S. B., & Kuswanto, H. (2025). Improving students’ learning outcomes in problem solving through problem solving method: Systematic literature review. Jurnal Inovasi Pendidikan IPA, 12(1), 1–15. https://doi.org/10.21831/jipi.v12i1.82372
2. Ajani, O. A. (2024). Enhancing problem-solving skills among pre-service teachers in higher education: A systematic literature review. Journal of Pedagogical Sociology and Psychology, 6(2), 98–113. https://doi.org/10.33902/jpsp.202424002
3. Akcay Malcok, B., & Ceylan, R. (2020). Does STEM education have an impact on problem solving skill? Kesit Akademi, 25, 25–37. https://doi.org/10.29228/kesit.46371
4. Amao Llaulli, W. L., & Vicuña Parra, J. R. (2026). Impact of problem-based learning in secondary mathematics: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Horizontes Revista de Investigación en Ciencias de la Educación, 10(41), 1–18. https://doi.org/10.33996/revistahorizontes.v10i41.1224
5. Dzulfikar, A., Turmudi, T., Herman, T., & Kusnandi, K. (2024). How ICT supports the mathematical problem-solving learning process of secondary school students: A systematic literature review. Journal Evaluation in Education, 6(3). https://doi.org/10.37251/jee.v6i3.1649
6. Garil, G., & Dio, R. V. (2024). Effectiveness of problem-based learning to students’ problem-solving and critical thinking skills: A systematic review. Journal of Education, Management and Development Studies, 4(3), 28–40. https://doi.org/10.52631/jemds.v4i3.269
7. Hanifah, H., Mutmainah, S., & Kartika, H. (2024). Junior high school students’ mathematics problem-solving ability using the problem-based learning model: A systematic review. Journal of Research in Science and Mathematics Education, 3(1), 28–36. https://doi.org/10.56855/jrsme.v3i1.970
8. Heppner, P. P., & Petersen, C. H. (1982). The development and implications of a personal problem-solving inventory. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 29(1), 66–75. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-0167.29.1.66
9. Jonassen, D. H. (2011). Learning to solve problems: A handbook for designing problem-solving learning environments. Routledge. https://doi.org/10.4324/9780203847522
10. Sihotang, Y. L. T., Sukardiyono, & Kuswanto, H. (2025). Effects problem solving skills in school learning: Systematic literature review. Indonesian Journal of Educational Research and Review, 8(1), 70–79. https://doi.org/10.23887/ijerr.v8i1.87593
11. Mayer, R. E. (1998). Cognitive, metacognitive, and motivational aspects of problem solving. Instructional Science, 26(1–2), 49–63. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1003088013286
12. Nanditya, N. J., & Dewanti, S. S. (2025). Cooperative learning models to improve mathematical problem-solving ability of high school students. Union: Jurnal Ilmiah Pendidikan Matematika, 13(3), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.30738/union.v13i3.19879
13. Orihuela De la Cruz, C. R. (2025). Resolución de problemas y habilidades matemáticas en estudiantes de secundaria: Revisión sistemática. Revista Tribunal. https://revistatribunal.org/index.php/tribunal/article/view/364
14. Phillips, J. A., McCallum, J. E., Clemmer, K. W., & Zachariah, T. M. (2016). A problem-solving framework to assist students and teachers in STEM courses. arXiv. https://doi.org/10.48550/arXiv.1607.07853
15. Sari, D. R., Rahardjo, S. B., & Prayitno, B. A. (2025). Problem-based learning as a catalyst for 21st-century skills in secondary education: A systematic literature review. Proceeding of the International Conference on Teacher Training and Education. https://jurnal.uns.ac.id/ictte/article/view/114727
16. Tasgin, A., & Dilek, C. (2023). The mediating role of critical thinking dispositions between secondary school students' self-efficacy and problem-solving skills. Thinking Skills and Creativity, 50, 101400. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.tsc.2023.101400
17. Rather, A. H., & Kushwah, K. (2025). Problem-solving ability and academic achievement among senior secondary students based on gender in Gwalior. International Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Growth Evaluation, 6(3), 707–711.
18. Kumar, R., & Acharya, A. (2025). A comparative study of scientific attitude, interest, and problem-solving ability across demographic and educational variables. International Journal of Innovative Science and Research Technology, 10(8), 931–938.
19. Pradhan, A. K. (2025). Science problem solving ability among secondary school students in Boudh District, Odisha. International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research (IJFMR).
20. Salde, R. S. (2025). Gender differences in metacognition and problem solving among school students. International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research, 7(5). https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i05.57397
21. Sharma, D., & Bora, C. (2024). A study of problem solving ability among secondary school students in relation to their metacognitive skills. Journal of the Oriental Institute, 73(3), 1337–1341. https://doi.org/10.8224/journaloi.v73i3.367
22. Singh, R., & Equbal, S. (2023). A study of curiosity and problem solving among secondary school students of Ranchi City. International Journal of Indian Psychology, 11(3). https://doi.org/10.25215/1103.377