Mathematical Problem-Solving Behaviours of Eighth-Grade Students

Mathematical Problem-Solving Behaviours of Eighth-Grade Students

This paper explores the problem-solving frameworks of 621 eighth-grade students (13 to 14 years old). The aim of this study analysed the mathematical problem-solving behaviors used by the eighth-grade students, to solve problems. This group of 621 eighth-grade students were asked to complete in writing the statement 'When I am given a mathematics problem to solve, this is what I do...'. The data were coded under the four phases of problem solving which were arrived at from a preliminary analysis of the data. The four phases: Understand / Represent the Problem (U), Find a Way to Solve the Problem (F), Solve the Problem (S), and Check the Solution (C) were noted. Eighth-grade students were found to rely on individual problem-solving frameworks to guide them when solving problems. The frameworks of eighth-grade were similar, brief and specific in nature.