The cognitive processes underlying certain classes of mathematical problems

Abstract

To identify computational abilities and skills of pupils, a test was administered to 36 Form 1 pupils. Forty-one problems utilizing the computation skills pupils possessed were selected and administered as a test. Performance was low. Lessons designed to help pupils solve mathematical problems were taught to the experimental group and the second test was re-administered. Results indicate a slightly better mean performance in all four arithmetic operations for boys than for girls; for both boys and girls mean performance in division was weak