Numerical Literacy Orientation and Mathematical Problem-Solving Skills among Senior High School Students
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Abstract
While problem-solving skills are critical for academic and lifelong success, limited research explores how factors like numerical literacy orientation and sex influence these skills among senior high school students, particularly in the Philippine context. Grounded in Mathematical Cognition Theory, this study aimed to investigate the predictive power of sex and numerical literacy orientation on students' problem-solving skills. Using a correlational design, a total of 70 respondents participated in the study and employed stratified simple random sampling in the selection of the respondents. Data were collected using a contextualized instrument adapted from published international research, with face and content validity established through expert validation and pilot testing. Multiple linear regression with dummy coding for sex was used for analysis. The findings revealed a moderate level of numerical literacy orientation and a high level of problem-solving skills among students. Numerical literacy orientation was significantly related to problem-solving skills. Moreover, both sex and numerical literacy orientation significantly predict problem-solving skills, with numerical literacy orientation being the stronger predictor. Female students outperformed males in problem-solving skills. The study underscores the importance of fostering numerical literacy in curricula and addressing gender-specific learning needs to enhance problem-solving competencies.
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