The Effectiveness of Mathematical Modeling in Developing Problem Solving Skills and Self-Efficacy in Mathematics Among Sixth Grade in Palestine

Abstract

This study aimed to investigate the effectiveness of mathematical modeling in enhancing problem-solving skills and self-efficacy in mathematics among sixth-grade students in Palestine. The study sample comprised 64 students from a school in Tulkarm Governorate under the Ministry of Education, with 30 students in the experimental group taught using mathematical modeling and 34 students in the control group taught using traditional methods. Data collection involved a test with four questions assessing problem-solving skills (comprising understanding the problem, planning the solution, implementing the solution, and verifying its correctness) and a questionnaire to gauge self-efficacy in mathematics. The results indicated statistically significant differences favoring the experimental group in problem-solving skills and self-efficacy. The findings suggest the importance of integrating mathematical modeling into the Palestinian school curriculum across different educational levels and providing teacher training on mathematical modeling for effective mathematics instruction.