Guidelines to Developing Mathematics Problem Solving Skills for High School Students in the Western Region

Abstract

This study had the following purposes: 1) to develop and verify the consistency of a causal model of Mathematics Problem Solving Skills for high school students in the western region. and 2) to present guidelines for developing Mathematics Problem Solving Skills for high school students in the western region. The research was conducted in 2 phases. Phase 1, studying the causal relationships in the development of Mathematics Problem Solving Skills. The sample group was 484 high school students of 8 schools in the western region who studied in Mathayom 3 of semester 2, academic year 2023, by Multistage Random Sampling. The research instrument were questionnaire and Mathematics Problem Solving Skills test. Statistics used in data analysis are descriptive statistics and Structural equation model analysis. Phase 2, studying guidelines for developing Mathematics Problem Solving Skills. The research instrument was a focus group. Key informant was obtained through purposive selection of 9 people. Data analysis is content analysis. The results were as follows: 1) The model was consistent with the empirical data. (c² = 183.48, df = 93, relative c² = 1.973, p = .000, RMSEA = .045, RMR = .025, CFI = .993, NFI = .986) 2) The results of the study of guidelines for developing Mathematics Problem Solving Skills for high school students in the western region were as follows : 1) Promoting active learning management. 2) Boosting learning management by Child Center Learning. 3) Promoting learning management aimed at developing attitudes towards mathematics. 4) Boosting extra–curricular, activities to develop Problem Solving Skills, teamwork skills and activities to enhance students motivation in studying. 5) Setting up the environment and atmosphere to stimulate learning. And 6) Preparation of resources for learning management.