Beyond the score: a sequential study on the predictors of student resilience in mathematics problem-solving

Abstract

This sequential explanatory study aims to probe on the influences of cognitive, psychological, and social factors on mathematics resilience in problem solving. Anchored on three-dimensional resilience theory in problem solving, stratified sampling and purposive sampling were used to determine the respondents of the study coming from the six large-categorized senior high schools in Davao City (Philippines), school year 2023-2024. Data gathering was administered using the researcher-made questionnaire and interview guide, and content validated by experts. The quantitative findings, through the multiple regression test, revealed that problem-solving skills (PSS), growth mindset (GM), and teacher scaffoldings (TS) significantly predict students’ resiliency in mathematics. For the qualitative data, following Colaizzi’s data analysis, the following themes surfaced: i) GM and positive learning attitudes; ii) active problem-solving strategies; and iii) supportive learning environment (SLE) and TS. The results confirmed that cognitive, psychological, and social factors are significantly related to students’ resiliency in solving mathematics problems and that developing a growth attitude, fostering a SLE, and providing appropriate TS, can help build students’ mathematical resilience and PSS.