Diagnosis of Basic Cognitive Skills in Mathematics in Basic Education grades

Abstract

This study attempted to investigate the relationship between five Basic cognitive skills: Mathematical skill, Numerical skill, Classification skill, and Measuring skills related to Math lessons in basic education. The study aims to identify basic cognitive skills in math lessons and the obstacles in learning math lessons in the basic education grades (1 to 8) in three provinces in Kurdistan (Erbil, Sulaymaniyah, and Halabja). This research utilized the descriptive method. Measuring phenomena depend on the criterion-referenced Test. A specified grade is made to the criterion Reference that each participant can reach that grade. The study's results illustrated poor cognitive skills and learning difficulties in mathematics. Furthermore, out of 480 participants, 387 participants (80. 6%) have poor cognitive skills in mathematics and learning difficulties. The outcomes indicated poor cognitive skills, significant gender differences between males and females, and no statistical differences in cognitive skills based on provinces. In sum, several recommendations are presented for further studies.