Unravelling the challenges: A review of Scopus-indexed literature on students’ difficulties in learning mathematics across educational levels

Abstract

The purpose of this study is to categorize and identify the challenges that students at different educational levels have when learning mathematics. By examining papers that were indexed in the Scopus database, this study used a systematic literature review methodology, guided by the PRISMA protocol and the PICO framework. 37 chosen publications that were published in English and made available through open access were the outcome of the four-stage review process, which included identification, screening, eligibility, and inclusion. According to the results, from elementary school through secondary school, pupils typically struggle to comprehend mathematical ideas and procedures, especially arithmetic. . The main causes of these difficulties include inadequate knowledge of foundational ideas, poor abstract reasoning abilities, and inefficient teaching strategies. The findings highlight how crucial it is to identify mathematics learning challenges early on, particularly in primary school, in order to lay a strong basis for understanding increasingly complex mathematical ideas. In an attempt to reduce students’ learning challenges, this study suggests improving teaching methods and reinforcing fundamental math ideas.