Unlocking Mathematical Minds: Exploring Creative Thinking, Critical Thinking, and Problem-Solving Skills of Generation Z Learners
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.46328/ijres.5805Keywords:
Creative thinking skills, Critical thinking skills, Problem solving skillsAbstract
This study investigates the level of creative thinking, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills of Generation Z learners in Mathematics, focusing on 77 Grade 10 students from five public schools in the district of Tangalan, Aklan, Philippines. Using a quantitative correlational research design, the study employed cluster sampling to select one section per school, and G*Power was used to determine the appropriate sample size. Three test instruments were utilized to assess the levels of creative thinking, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills. The Mathematical Creative Thinking Test included four items: Items 1 and 2 were adopted from Paniagua (2022), Item 3 was based on Ariawan et al. (2024), and Item 4 from Fauzi et al. (2019). Descriptive statistics such as mean, standard deviation, and frequency were used to analyze students’ performance levels. Pearson’s r and multiple regression analyses were employed to explore relationships and predictive effects. The findings revealed that most learners demonstrated moderate creative thinking and problem-solving skills, while critical thinking was predominantly at Level 1 (Beginning). Correlation and regression analyses indicated no significant relationships or predictive effects among the three variables. These findings suggest that creative thinking, critical thinking, and problem-solving are distinct cognitive skills that must be developed independently. While this study confirms that Gen Z learners exhibit varying proficiency levels in these skills, its broader implication lies in understanding how these abilities develop independently rather than in a sequential or interdependent manner.
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