Assessment of 4th Grade Students’ Problem-Solving Skills in Terms of Various Variables

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by dabgoudw

Problem solving is a foundational skill enabling individuals to handle everyday difficulties and perform effectively in professional life. Early development is therefore emphasized, with multiple teaching-related variables potentially shaping problem-solving competence. This quantitative descriptive survey evaluates 4th grade students’ perceptions by sex, preschool education, parental education, family type, and who assists school work. Data are collected using a 24-item, three-dimension 5-point Likert inventory and analyzed with SPSS 15.0.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages17

Reading Time43 min

AccessFree to download

Abstract

Introduction

Definitions and stages of problem solving

Method and research findings

Assessment of 4th Grade Students’ Problem-Solving Skills in Terms of Various Variables 1 Cafer ÇARKIT2 Gaziantep University Mehmet ÖZENÇ3 Gaziantep University Abstract Problem solving is one of the basic skills needed by individuals today. An individual who has attained problem-solving skills can both overcome difficulties in daily life and be successful in professional business life. In this respect, problem solving is considered as a skill that children should attain from an early age. Many variables are effective in the process of teaching problem solving skills. In this study, 4th grade students’ perceptions of problem-solving skills were assessed according to the variables of sex, receiving preschool education, parental education status, family type and person helping with school work. Employing the quantitative research method, the study used the descriptive survey design. The Problem-Solving Inventory developed for elementary school children was used to collect data. The inventory is a 5-point Likert type scale consisting of 24 items and three dimensions. The study universe was 4th grade students attending public schools in the central districts of Gaziantep. Because of the size of the universe, transportation, economic difficulties and lack of time, the study was conducted with a sample determined by simple random sampling method, one of the random sampling methods. 744 4th grade students participated in the study. The data of the research were analyzed with the SPSS 15.0 program. According to the study results, no difference was found in students’ problem-solving perceptions according to the sex variable. However, students’ problemsolving perceptions differ according to the variables of receiving preschool education, mother’s education level, father’s education level and family type. Also, it was concluded that having someone who helps students with school work makes a significant difference in their problem-solving perceptions. The study results were discussed within the framework of the relevant literature, and late various recommendations were given. Keywords: Problem Solving, Student, Perception, Variable, Assessment DOI: 10.29329/epasr.2020.345.14 1 Part of this study was presented verbally in the 13th International Educational Community Symposium organized in Antalya on 06-08 November 2020. 2Assist. Prof. Dr., Nizip Faculty of Education, Gaziantep University, Gaziantep, Turkey, ORCID: 0000-0003-4126-2165 Correspondence: [cafer_carkit_87@hotmail.com](cafer_carkit_87@hotmail.com) 3 Assist. Prof. Dr., Nizip Faculty of Education, Gaziantep University, Gaziantep, Turkey, ORCID: 0000-0001-6339-4092 [Email: mozenc38@hotmail.com](Email: mozenc38@hotmail.com) Introduction Today, individuals encounter many problems in their daily lives. In this sense, today’s people spend most of their energy and time to solve these problems. This brings the concept of problem solving to the fore. Different definitions about problem solving are given in the literature. According to Korkut (2002), problem solving refers to finding new solutions to solve a problem going beyond the simple application of previous experiences and learned rules. According to Agran and Wehmeyer (1999), problem solving is a skill that gives the individual independence and competence, and forms the basis of learning. Bernardo (1999) stated that problem solving is a process that individuals bring together concepts and processes and use them to solve problems. According to Mithaug (1993), problem solving is a process including the stages of identifying and analyzing problems and developing and implementing solution suggestions in order to solve the problems. Based on these definitions, it can be said that problem solving is a complex process with cognitive, affective and behavioral aspects. Problem solving is a process in which certain stages are followed within the framework of scientific method. Based on the literature, this proce

FAQs

What variables were used to assess 4th grade students’ problem-solving perceptions?

The study assessed perceptions according to sex, receiving preschool education, parental education status (mother and father), family type, and the person helping with school work.

What instrument and data analysis method were used?

A Problem-Solving Inventory for elementary school children was used; it is a 24-item, 5-point Likert scale with three dimensions. Data were analyzed using SPSS 15.0.

What major differences were found in students’ problem-solving perceptions?

No difference was found by sex. Differences emerged for preschool education, mother’s education level, father’s education level, and family type. Having someone help with school work produced a significant difference.

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by dabgoudw