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The relationship between cognitive flexibility and mathematical literacy: insights from Indonesian elementary students


Citation

Rahayuningsih, Sri and Anggriani, Ade Eka and Mardhatillah, Mardhatillah and Faizah, Siti and Yuniawatika, Yuniawatika and Kamarudin, Nurzatulshima (2025) The relationship between cognitive flexibility and mathematical literacy: insights from Indonesian elementary students. lnternational Electronic Journal of Elementary Education, 17 (3). pp. 1-15. ISSN 1307-9298

Abstract

This study investigates the relationship between mathematical literacy and cognitive flexibility in solving complex problems among Indonesian elementary school students aged 9–10 n = 78. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the research combined quantitative testing and qualitative interviews to provide a comprehensive understanding of this relationship. The findings indicate that students with higher levels of both literacy and flexibility performed significantly better in problem-solving. However, students with high flexibility but low literacy struggled to grasp mathematical concepts while those with high literacy but low flexibility showed rigid problem-solving approaches. Despite these differences, all students demonstrated potential for improvement with adequate teacher support. These results emphasize the importance of tailored educational strategies to enhance both mathematical literacy and cognitive flexibility especially in developing countries like Indonesia.


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Additional Metadata

Item Type: Article
Subject: Educational Psychology
Subject: Cognitive Science
Subject: Mathematics Education
Divisions: Faculty of Educational Studies
DOI Number: https://doi.org/10.26822/iejee.2025.385
Publisher: lnternational Electronic Journal of Elementary Education
Keywords: Cognitive flexibility; Mathematical literacy; Problem-solving skills
Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): SDG 4: Quality Education, SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities, SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth
Depositing User: MS. HADIZAH NORDIN
Date Deposited: 30 Apr 2026 00:44
Last Modified: 30 Apr 2026 00:44
Altmetrics: http://www.altmetric.com/details.php?domain=psasir.upm.edu.my&doi=10.26822/iejee.2025.385
URI: http://psasir.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/125091
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