THINKING SKILLS AND PROBLEM SOLVING SKILLS AMONG PRIMARY SCHOOL PUPILS IN NORTHERN ZONE OF MALAYSIA

This paper is based on a study carried out in national primary schools in Northern Zone of Peninsular Malaysia. The sample consists of year four, year five, and year six pupils from rural and urban areas. The objective of the study is to investigate the level of thinking skills and problem solving skills among the pupils according to their age, gender and locality (urban and rural). This study also explores pupils’ perception on their ability in thinking skills and problem solving skills. Students’ thinking skills and problem solving skills are measured using a test instrument developed by the researchers. This instrument is based on CoRT thinking tools used by de Bono (1991) such as PMI, CAF, RULES, C&S, AGO, PLANNING, FIP, APC, DECISIONS and OPV. Pupils are asked to give their responses to ten thinking skills questions and two problem solving skills questions. Pupils thinking skills are measured according to originality, appropriateness and fluency. On the other hand their problem solving skills are measured according to novelty and appropriateness. Students’ perceptions on thinking skills and problem solving skills are gauged using a set of questionnaire developed by the researchers. Interesting findings of the study will be discussed further in the paper.