A correlational evaluation between students' mathematics literacy and high school entrance exam results

Abstract

On the basis of the results obtained from the high school entrance exam (HSEE) and mathematical literacy tests, this study examined the relationship between HSEE mathematics questions and mathematical literacy. A total of 120 students participated in the study. Data collection instruments consisted of mathematical literacy questions that had been validated in the literature previously. Data collection procedures were conducted in classrooms by mathematics teachers. To analyze the relationships between the data, the Kolmogorov-Smirnov test was first performed, followed by Spearman's rank difference correlation coefficient. Results showed a significant positive correlation between students' mathematics achievement and their mathematical literacy. Second, students' HSEE scores and mathematical literacy were significantly correlated. Based on the strong correlation between these variables, the preparation process for HSEE should include 21st-century skills, which are both influenced by and contribute to mathematical literacy. The objectives of secondary and high school mathematics curricula should include mathematical literacy, and teachers should be trained on how to improve students' mathematical literacy, as well as integrating teaching activities into mathematics curricula based on the relationship identified in this study.