Socio-Demographic Influences on Mathematical Word Problem Solving in the Philippine Context: A Narrative Literature Review
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.7719/irj.v26i1.1000Keywords:
mathematical word problems, socio-demographic factors, family environment, Philippine education, mathematics achievementDisciplines:
Mathematics EducationAbstract
This narrative literature review examines how socio-demographic factors influence Filipino students' ability to solve mathematical word problems. Drawing on international and local studies, the review synthesizes evidence on the roles of age, sex/gender, and family environment in shaping mathematical literacy. Findings indicate that developmental readiness affects working memory and reading fluency, gender differences are largely influenced by socio-cultural expectations and confidence, and family environment - particularly socio-economic status and parental involvement - is the strongest predictor of performance. By integrating correlational, quasi-experimental, and intervention studies, the review proposes a causal model that situates these factors as key determinants of word problem-solving ability. The study highlights the need for early academic support, gender-sensitive instruction, and strengthened home numeracy practices. These findings provide practical guidance for teachers and policymakers in designing inclusive, evidence-based interventions to improve students' mathematical literacy.
References
Carey, E., Hill, F., Devine, A., & Szücs, D. (2016). The chicken or the egg? The direction of the relationship between mathematics anxiety and mathematics performance. Frontiers in psychology, 6, 1987. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2015.01987
Department of Education (DepEd). (2019). National Achievement Test results. Department of Education, Philippines. https://region2.deped.gov.ph/urm-s-20192018-national-achievement-test-nat-610-12-results-and-analysis/
Department of Education (DepEd). (2023). PISA 2022 results: Philippine performance analysis. Department of Education, Philippines. https://www.deped.gov.ph/2022/03/11/on-philippines-participation-in-pisa-2022/
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Copyright (c) 2026 Karl Sebastien Y. Josol, Jovin C. Baloyo
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-NonCommercial 4.0 International License.
Open Access. This article, published by JPAIR Multidisciplinary Research, is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution-Noncommercial 4.0 International (CC BY-NC 4.0). You are free to share (copy and redistribute the material in any medium or format) and adapt (remix, transform, and build upon the material). Under the following terms, you must give appropriate credit, provide a link to the license, and indicate if changes were made. You may do so in any reasonable manner, but not in any way that suggests the licensor endorses you or your use. You may not use the material for commercial purposes.
