Problem-Solving Skills, Attitude Towards Mathematics, and Academic Performance of Learners

Abstract

This study, titled “Problem-Solving Skills, Attitude towards Mathematics, and Academic Performance of Learners”, investigated whether problem-solving skills and attitudes toward mathematics affect learners’ academic performance. The respondents were 349 Grade 8 learners enrolled in four big schools within a single division in Negros Occidental during the school year 2026–2027. Employing a quantitative design with a descriptive–correlational method, problem-solving skills were measured using the questionnaire of Dayaganon et al. (2022), while attitudes toward mathematics were assessed through the instrument of Bautista and Dones (2025). Findings revealed that learners generally demonstrated a high level of problem-solving skills, with creative thinking rated highest and decision-making lowest among the subcategories. Their attitude toward mathematics was found to be neutral, while their academic performance was classified as very satisfactory. The results further showed no significant relationship between problem-solving skills and academic performance. However, a significant relationship was observed between attitude toward mathematics and academic performance, indicating that learners’ attitudes toward mathematics directly influence their academic outcomes.