Mathematical Critical Thinking Ability Reviewed from Self-Regulated Learning - Systematic Literature Review

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Mabel

Mathematical critical thinking is presented as a core learning capability for rational decision-making and well-founded conclusions, yet large international assessments indicate that students’ critical thinking performance remains below expectations. This systematic literature review examines how self-regulated learning relates to mathematical critical thinking ability. Articles published between 2019 and 2023 are merged and screened, yielding 13 studies. Results show differences in mathematical critical thinking proficiency according to students’ self-regulated learning levels.

LanguageEnglish

CategoryResearch & Report

FormatPDF

Pages12

Reading Time30 min

AccessFree to download

Introduction

Mathematical critical thinking in education

Role of self-regulated learning (SRL)

International assessment evidence (PISA, TIMSS)

Research method and study focus

Mathematical Critical Thinking Ability Reviewed from Self-Regulated Learning: Systematic Literature Review Rizka Amelia Universitas Negeri Semarang, Indonesia, [rzkaamelia8@gmail.com](rzkaamelia8@gmail.com), [rzkaamelia8@students.unnes.ac.id](rzkaamelia8@students.unnes.ac.id) Stevanus Budi Waluya Universitas Negeri Semarang, Indonesia, [s.b.waluya@mail.unnes.ac.id](s.b.waluya@mail.unnes.ac.id) AriefAgoestanto Universitas Negeri Semarang, Indonesia, [arief.mat@mail.unnes.ac.id](arief.mat@mail.unnes.ac.id) The ability to think mathematically critically is essential in learning as it helps students to think rationally in making decisions and formulating conclusions, as well as choosing the best option for themselves. In fact, PISA results in 2022 and TIMSS results in 2015 show that students'critical thinking skills are not optimum. Therefore, the role of educators is required in order to develop the critical thinking ability of students. Self-regulated learning can affect students'cognitive ability to think critically. The purpose of this research is to identify, study, and make overall related conclusions of research results related to the mathematical critical thinking ability reviewed from self-regulated learning. The method used in this study is the Systematic Literature Review (SLR). The data collection process involved merging similar research articles focused on topics of mathematical critical thinking and self-regulated learning published between 2019 and 2023. The article used in this study is 13 articles obtained from Publish or Perish. The findings results reveal a distinction in mathematical critical thinking proficiency based on students' level of self-regulated learning. Keywords: mathematics, critical thinking, mathematical critical thinking ability, self-regulated learning, systematic literature review INTRODUCTION Mathematics, as a field of knowledge that emphasizes the process of thinking, is considered very relevant to being taught to students. In it, there are various elements that fundamentally direct students to think logically according to the patterns and rules that have been established. Therefore, the primary objective of mathematics teaching is to develop students' ability to mathematical thinking especially critical thinking (Pebianto et al., 2019) . Saputra (2020) revealed that critical thinking involves intellectual activity in overcoming challenges, making assumptions, giving reasonable arguments, evaluating, conducting research, and making decisions. In the decision-making process, the ability to search, analyze, and evaluate information becomes crucial. Students with critical thinking abilities will be active in the search, analysis, and assessment of information, as well as concluding on the basis of facts before finally making decisions. According to Umam (2019), improving critical thinking in the process of learning mathematics will help students use their intellectual potential to conduct logical, orderly, and accurate thinking in solving mathematical problems. The ability to think mathematically critically is very important to students because with this ability students can think rationally in making decisions and formulating Citation: Amelia, R., Waluya, S. B., & Agoestanto, A. (2025) . Mathematical critical thinking ability reviewed from self-regulated learning: Systematic literature review. Anatolian Journal of Education, 10(1), 91-102. [https://doi.org/10.29333/aje.2025.1017a](https://doi.org/10.29333/aje.2025.1017a) conclusions, as well as choosing the best option for themselves. Somakim (2011) indicated students will also be able to observe carefully the various problems that arise in everyday life. The truth is that Indonesian pupils still have a low level of critical mathematical thinking. Evidence of this can be seen from the results of the Program for International Student Assessment (PISA) in 2022. Based on the results of the PISA assessment in 2022, i

FAQs

Why is mathematical critical thinking considered important for students?

It supports rational decision-making and forming well-reasoned conclusions by helping students analyze and evaluate information before deciding.

What evidence suggests students’ critical thinking skills are not optimal?

PISA 2022 shows reduced mathematics scores, and TIMSS results indicate Indonesia performs below other countries, implying critical thinking skills are not yet at an optimal level.

How does self-regulated learning relate to mathematical critical thinking ability?

Students with higher self-regulated learning tend to have higher mathematical critical thinking ability, while lower SRL is linked to lower critical thinking performance.

Oct 15, 2026

Uploaded by Mabel