Investigating Effective Problem-Solving Techniques for Mathematics Used by Primary Students in Private Sector Schools of Islamabad

Problem-solving occupies a significant place in the field of mathematics and math education. The main objective of the current study was to examine the effective problem-solving techniques used by the students in mathematics at primary level in private sector schools of Islamabad. This research was quantitative in nature. A cross-sectional survey design and survey questionnaire was used. The six-point rating scale was used to collect responses from the students. The validity of questionnaire was ensured by Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) whereas, the reliability of tools was checked through Cronbach’s alpha using SPSS. In order to conduct the current research, data was collected from the (n = 400) students of 16 campuses of Roots Millennium School. Students were selected through cluster random sampling technique. It was found through descriptive analysis that the students use metacognitive problem solving techniques more frequently as compared to heuristic techniques at primary level. Moreover, it was also investigated that the higher and lower achievers used different strategies under heuristic and metacognitive problem solving techniques. Higher achievers used more than one strategy sometimes related to heuristic techniques and sometimes used both. The results revealed that the male students preferred heuristic visualization of word problem strategy more frequently than female students.