The relationship between student and teacher related factors and students‟ problem solving skill throughout Turkey and across school types : PISA 2012 analysis

Abstract

Problem solving, which is one of the 21st century skills, is a targeted skill to gain by students in schools. However, problem solving is not taught as a separate lesson. Teachers should integrate this skill into their lessons and encourage their students to improve this skill. Therefore, teachers and students themselves have a major role in developing students‟ problem solving competency. In this study, the relationship between teacher and student related factors and students‟ problem solving skill as perceived by students were analysed both throughout Turkey and across school types. While conducting the study, PISA 2012 data was used and the analysis was done with the multiple linear regression method. According to the results of the study, there are statistically significant relationships between student and teacher related factors and problem solving skill. It was observed that the related factors are differed across the school types.