Perceived self-efficacy, metacognitive skills and problem-solving ability of selected students in differential calculus

• Main Author: Chua, Alejandria D.
• Format: text
• Language: English
• Published: Animo Repository 2009
• Subjects: Metacognition; Problem solving; Differential calculus; Self-efficacy; Mathematics
• Online Access: https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/etd_masteral/3733; https://animorepository.dlsu.edu.ph/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=10571&context=etd_masteral
• Institution: De La Salle University

This study examined the levels of self-efficacy, metacognitive skills and problem solving abilities of nine selected chemical engineering students enrolled in Differential Calculus during the first semester of school year 2007-2008. The objective is to identify characteristics that distinguish expert problem solvers from the transitional and novice problem solvers so that information gathered can be used to design instruction geared towards improving the problem-solving abilities of the transitional and novice problem solvers. The study employed the descriptive research design. Qualitative data was gathered using problem-solving tasks and instruments on self-efficacy and metacognitive skills. A case analysis of gathered data was made. To triangulate the analysis, the researcher observed the problem-solving activities, and conducted an interview. To identify distinguishing characteristics of expert problem solvers, a cross-case search for patterns was performed. The results revealed two students are expert problem solvers, five are transitional and two are novices. Expert problem solvers have high or very high self-efficacy in solving problems, exhibited adequate metacognitive skills and exemplary or proficient problem-solving ability. The transitional problem solvers have average or low self efficacy, exhibited slightly or moderately inadequate metacognitive skills and developing problem-solving ability. The novice problem solvers have average or low self-efficacy, exhibited moderately inadequate metacognitive skills and emerging problem-solving ability.