1. SME 3023:
TRENDS AND ISSUES IN EDUCATION FOR MATHEMATICAL
SCIENCES
INDIVIDUAL ASSIGNMENT:
Skillful Problem Solving
NAME & MATRIC NO:
NUR ADILAH BINTI YAHAYA
D20081032234
DATE OF SUBMISSION:
15.12.2011
LECTURER’S NAME:
PROF DR MARZITA PUTEH

2. 1. What is the problem?
Malaysia is among 59 countries that participated in the study of international
mathematics and science achievement for students aged 14 years old that was conducted
by the Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study at Fourth and eighth
grades, International Study Center, Lynch School of Education, Boston College, Chestnut
Hill, Massachusetts, The USA. Prior to 2007, Malaysia has also participated in the same
study for the year 1999 and 2003. This study was conducted once every four years.
TIMSS’ 2007 research findings shows that average achievement scores for Malaysian
students' in 2007 for Mathematics and Science have deteriorated significantly compared
with the Malaysian student scores performance in 1999 and 2003 studies. Among the 59
countries taking part in the study, there are national sample of students achieving an
average score increased slightly or decreased slightly. But the decline in average
achievement scores of students in Malaysia 34 points for Mathematics and 40 points for
Science is a significant and largest once among the 59 countries. This shows that
Malaysian students are less competitive in the TIMMS compared to all participating
countries and not globally prepared.

3. 2. Why is there a problem?
Students’ achievement in Mathematics and Science may be influenced from one of
these factors such as family background, language used in teaching, learning and
students’ attitude towards Mathematics and many other. But for this assignment, I will
discuss the three main factors which is family background, language used in teaching and
learning and students’ attitude towards Mathematics.
 Family background has a considerable influence on achievement in science and
mathematics education. Research indicates that certain types of parent
involvement, such as parental discussions with the children about school-related
topics, such as the importance of getting an education benefit students because
these students show higher rates of homework completion and academic
achievement in the middle and high school years. Apart from that, parent
involvement can be conceptualized as social capital. McNeal (1999) study found
that social capital which is parent involvement is associated with increased student
achievement. The evidence also indicates that there is a relationship between
parental aspirations and mathematics achievement and parental expectations are
important factors in shaping educational expectations. These findings speak to the
importance of family socioeconomic status about types of interactions at home
that support student learning. Research also shows that parent’s education was a
strong predictor of mathematics achievement, especially mother’s education and
resource availability is strongly related to parent’s ability to help their children
with school work.
 Secondly, the language of instruction do influenced the achievement of Malaysian
students. Education in native languages is critical for children to achieve the level
of mental maturity, which is, to understand and build concepts in mathematics and
science constructively. This explanation is relevant in the context of the findings
of TIMSS, which shows the mathematics and science achievement of students
who use their mother tongue for teaching and learning mathematics and science
were higher on average compared to students who are studying in a foreign
language. This is because the native language helps students to understand science

4. and math concepts taught in school. All countries in the TIMSS study which its
students use their mother tongue in learning mathematics and science in schools
such as Korea, Japan, Chinese Taipei, Singapore, England, U.S., Romania, and so
on, achieved higher scores on math and science.
 Attitude is important in what we do so that we are committed in succeeding in
things we ventures. As for Malaysian student, majority of them have negatives
attitude towards Mathematics according to a study conducted in 2002. The
findings showed that a lack of student interest on mathematics subjects was
caused by the attitude of those who think mathematics is a difficult subject. This
negative perception caused them to give up the opportunity to receive such
subjects as an easy to understand. When students have negative perception of a
subject, they will find themselves not enjoying Mathematics class and
Mathematics lesson and are more likely to skip math class. Thus, this will cause
their interest in mathematics progressively reduced.
 Apart from that, student will also be less competitive if they are lack of self
confidence. According to Ryan & Pintrich (1997) in their study found that
students who imagined themselves as a competent person in terms of cognitive
development is easier to ask for guidance from students who feel less competent.
Students who feel less competent will tend to refrain from requesting guidance.
This is because students who have high confidence in mathematics do not present
themselves as someone who needs guidance from the less confident.

5. 3. What are possible solutions to the problem?
There are a few possible solutions that can be taken by the student to overcome this
problem.
 Firstly, maintaining successful image. As we know, the mind can only focus on
one thing at a time. So we must maintain a successful image in our minds so that
we can motivate ourselves to achieve success.
 Secondly, student should approach positive thinking friends. In general, students’
mind is easily filled with negative elements. It is because, students have to work
consciously to put a positive element in the mind. If students do not have the
effort to implement positive thinking in their mind, automatically the negative
element will fill their mind.
 Next possible solutions are contrary from previous solution, student should stay
away from negative thinking friends. Refraining doesn’t mean the student should
left his or her negative thinking friends, but it means that the students should spent
less time with them and stay away from time wasting activities. Apart from that,
negative minded friends will also likely to influence you in giving up.
 Next, what a student should do to overcome this problem is by manage their stress
effectively. A study had found that that peer pressure, parental pressure, the
importance of school and fear of failure is four significant factors for that
contribute to academic pressure. Although stress is something that is inevitable
when learning, students should be wise to control the pressure so that they can
stand on par with students from other nations.

6. 4. What would happen if you solved the problem in each of these ways?
Solution
Maintaining successful image
Consequences
Positive Negative
 Student will feel  Some students
confident about might only dream
themselves. of implementing
more executing
their dream.
 Student will be
more focus in
doing tasks given.
 Student will be a
role model among
their friends.
Value
 Accomplishment
 Ambition
 Commitment
 Encouragement
 Motivation
How can we make the solution better?
By motivating student and guiding them step by step so that they
don’t go off course.

7. Solution
Approach positive thinking friends
Consequences
Positive Negative
 Student will be  None
influenced to do
beneficial
activities.
 Students will
have friends that
will motivate
them to achieve
greater in lives.
 Implement the
importance of
sharing
knowledge.
Value
 Optimism
 Perseverance
 Sharing
 Guidance
How can we make the solution better?
By teaching our student the importance of sharing one’s
knowledge and give them endless support.

8. Solution
Stay away from negative thinking friends
Consequences
Positive Negative
 Student will not  Their old friend
be easily might felt left
influenced to do behind and this
useless activities. will affect their
friend
emotionally.
 Students will
eliminate person
that always bring
them down.
Value
 Support
 Self-reliance
 Logic
 Independence
 Exuberance
How can we make the solution better?
By forming study groups that consist of both attitudes in groups
and encourage them to discussed the task given.

9. Solution
Manage stress well
Consequences
Positive Negative
 Student will feel  None.
more relax hence
improving their
learning process.
 Students will be
able to perform
their task well.
Value
 Diligence
 Efficiency
 Endurance
 Focus
 Zeal
How can we make the solution better?
By being concerned to the student development and encourage
them to be succesfull.