What percentage of Sepang students struggle with basic maths?

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Over 80 Per Cent of Sepang Students Struggle with Basic Mathematics Skills

A recent study involving 12 schools in suburban Sepang district found that more than 80 per cent of students aged between nine and 12 are unable to solve mathematical questions that require fundamental calculation and reasoning abilities. This finding highlights a significant challenge in developing essential cognitive skills among young learners.
Study Details and Findings

The two-year study, conducted by Associate Professor Kalaivani Chellappan from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), took place from March 2024 to February 2026. It revealed that a substantial majority of the surveyed students struggled with basic mathematical tasks. This inability to perform simple calculations and apply reasoning skills is a cause for concern regarding the development of critical thinking.
Over-reliance on Digital Tools

A key observation from the study was the students' heavy reliance on digital aids, such as smartphone calculators and AI applications like ChatGPT, to solve mathematics problems. This trend suggests that students perceive a reduced need to learn calculation methods independently, as readily available tools provide immediate answers. This can hinder the mastery of foundational skills when technology is used as a replacement for learning rather than a supplementary tool.
Impact on Performance and Cognitive Skills

Follow-up observations from the study indicated a pattern of lower mathematics performance among pupils who demonstrated excessive dependence on digital aids upon entering secondary school. This underscores the principle that technology cannot fully substitute the fundamental learning process. Strong numeracy and thinking skills need to be established first before AI can be effectively integrated as a supportive instrument. The issue is not a lack of intelligence but rather a reduction in opportunities to engage with numbers in daily life, impacting the ability to think, analyse, and make rational judgments.

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What percentage of Sepang students struggle with basic maths?

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