RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SENIOR SECONDARY SCHOOLS STUDENTS’ ACHIEVEMENT IN MATHEMATICAL PROBLEM – SOLVING AND INTELLECTUAL ABILITIES TESTS

Abstract

The study was aimed at establishing the relationship between the achievement of secondary school students in mathematical problem solving and their achievement in intellectual ability test using factor analysis. The study population consisted of all the students in Senior Secondary Schools (SSS) in Ondo State. Out of this population, a sample of 206 students was purposively selected from three senatorial districts of the State. Seven instruments (six on intellectual abilities and one on mathematical problem solving) were administered on the respondents. The finding of the study showed that a significant relationship existed between mathematical problem solving and intellectual abilities (verbal, induction and numerical abilities) of the students. Thus, teachers should provide avenue for students to improve their intellectual abilities of verbal, induction, numerical, retention and other abilities. This could be done by enriching the learning environment using different instructional techniques, materials and activities in the classroom.