Critical Thinking Skills in Mathematical Problem Solving: A Systematic Literature Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.58466/ka421410Abstract
Critical thinking is one of the essential competencies that university students must possess to face the challenges of learning and problem-solving in the 21st century. In mathematics learning, critical thinking plays an important role in helping students analyze information, evaluate arguments, draw logical conclusions, and determine appropriate problem-solving strategies. This study aims to identify research trends, indicators, influencing factors, and key findings related to students’ critical thinking skills in mathematical problem-solving. The method employed in this study was a Systematic Literature Review (SLR) based on the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. The articles were collected through searches in Google Scholar, Garuda, and national as well as international journals published between 2016 and 2026. Based on the selection and screening process according to the inclusion and exclusion criteria, 15 articles were selected for in-depth analysis. The most frequently used indicators in the reviewed studies were interpretation, analysis, evaluation, inference, explanation, and self-regulation. Factors influencing critical thinking skills include prior mathematical knowledge, learning motivation, mathematical disposition, self-regulated learning, and the learning environment. Furthermore, most studies were conducted among mathematics education students using descriptive and quantitative approaches. These findings highlight the need for broader research across various fields of study and learning contexts to further enhance students’ critical thinking skills. The results of this study are expected to serve as a reference for lecturers and researchers in designing learning strategies that support the development of critical thinking skills in mathematics
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