Malaysian Journal of Mathematical Sciences, March 2026, Vol. 20, No. 1
Cracking the Code of Differentiation in Additional Mathematics: Unraveling Student Struggles and Teacher Strategies in Problem-Solving Mastery in Malaysian Secondary Education
Noor Ishak, N. A. H., Osman, S., Talib, C. A., Susiswo, S., and Buchori, A.
Corresponding Email: sharifah.o@utm.my
Received date: 13 October 2024
Accepted date: 28 July 2025
Abstract:
Problem-solving skills are fundamental to learning mathematics and are a key part of the mathematics curriculum. The Malaysian Education Blueprint (2013-2025) emphasizes developing students' problem-solving abilities, yet challenges persist, especially in differentiation-related problems at the secondary level. A mixed-method approach was used in this study to assess students' performance in problem-solving related to differentiation and explore teachers' perceptions of students' mathematical problem-solving abilities. The quantitative component involves administering a problem-solving test to 30 students, while the qualitative aspect includes interviews with three Maths teachers. The findings indicate that students' performance in problem-solving related to differentiation remains low, and the teachers attribute this to challenges in foundational understanding and engagement in differentiation, such as weak basics, a lack of question comprehension, low conceptual understanding, difficulties in interpreting visual information, and a general lack of interest among students. Teachers emphasized the need to enhance students' thinking skills for deeper conceptual understanding and recommended effective learning strategies to boost engagement. This study highlights the importance of improving both cognitive skills and motivation in mathematics education, providing valuable insights for ongoing efforts to enhance mathematical problem-solving proficiency among secondary school students in Malaysia.
Keywords: Additional Mathematics; cognitive skills; mathematical differentiation; problem-solving proficiency.
