ABSTRACT
This study aimed to assess the level of critical thinking and problem-solving skills in Mathematics of Grade 7 students, determine the factors that affect the development of such skills, determine which of the first quarter competencies are difficult to master including the relationship between academic performance and those that affect the development of such skills. The main data-gathering instrument was a test and a questionnaire. One hundred seventy-five (175) grade 7 students participated in this study.
Based on the findings, the researcher concluded that the students' level of critical thinking was average, while their problem-solving skills were below average. The respondents agreed on the factors affecting these skills and identified that the most difficult competencies to master is "performing operations on rational numbers" which ranks first. Additionally, the researcher concluded that there is no significant relationship between mathematics performance and the factors affecting the development of such skills. However, there is a significant relationship between the levels of the two skills and those factors.
The researcher recommended that training for teachers in developing critical thinking and problem-solving skills needs to be conducted to enhance students' achievement in Mathematics. The teacher should provide opportunities and motivate students to use a variety of approaches to overcome those factors that affect the development of students' critical thinking and problem-solving skills. Most difficult topics should include activities in the form of interactive learning experiences, such as educational games. Teachers must have enough effort to encourage students' critical thinking and problem-solving skills in order to improve their academic performance in Mathematics. Also, the proposed intervention plan may be implemented to further strengthen critical thinking skills and problem-solving skills in Mathematics.
Keywords: Critical thinking Skills, Mathematics Performance, Problem-Solving Skills