Mathematical thinking among KS4 (grade 9 and 10) students in Maldives

Abstract

The role of developing Mathematical thinking through Mathematics education is an imperative goal of Mathematics teaching and learning in schools. Various findings across the globe has depicted the notion of poor standard of learning taking place in classroom teaching that to a large extend inhibit students’ development of mathematical thinking and various measures has been taken for the countries involved. What about the development of mathematical thinking in Maldives? Thus, this cross sectional study utilizing a quantitative approach was embarked upon with the aim to investigate the mathematical thinking of key Stage 4 (Grade 9 and Grade 10) students in Maldives. A descriptive research design by using a paper and pencil test was administered among 298 samples comprising from both Government Schools and International Schools. The findings of the study showed that the overall KS4 students’ mathematical thinking achievement was low with a percentage score of   26.97%. Furthermore, Grade 10 students did not attain a significant high scores than their Grade 9 counterparts as one will expect so based on cognitive growth.  The findings suggest that radical efforts are needed to be taken by higher authorities to further curb the erosion of mathematics learning in schools.