International Journal on Emerging Mathematics Education
IJEME, Vol. 9 No. 2, September 2025

Undergraduate Students’ Mathematical Problem-Solving Ability in Solving PISA-like Problems

Yuni Apriani (Unknown)
Dede Suratman (Unknown)
Nurfadilah Siregar (Unknown)
Bistari (Unknown)
Edy Yusmin (Unknown)



Article Info

Publish Date
10 Oct 2025

Abstract

Mathematical problem-solving ability was an essential competence, yet many undergraduate students still faced difficulties when confronted with non-routine problems in PISA. This study aimed to describe the mathematical problem-solving abilities of 5th-semester Mathematics Education undergraduates in solving a PISA-like problem with shape content at level 6, which represented the highest level of mathematical proficiency in PISA. Using a qualitative approach, data were collected through a PISA-like problem and interviews, then analysed through data reduction, data display, and conclusion drawing. The results showed that 20% of students had high problem-solving ability, 53.33% medium, and 26.67% low. High-category students met all problem-solving indicators. Medium-category students reached the carrying out the plan indicator but skipped looking back. Low-category students only met the understanding the problem indicator and struggled to identify appropriate strategies and formulas. The study concluded that most students were in the medium category, with limited mastery of higher indicators.

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Journal Info

Abbrev

IJEME

Publisher

Subject

Education

Description

International Journal on Emerging Mathematics Education (IJEME) is a peer-reviewed open access journal published twice in a year (March and September). The IJEME aims to provide an international forum for researchers and professionals to share their ideas on all topics related to mathematics ...