In Malaysia, studies showed that students felt difficult in mathematics because, they had difficulty understanding
and retrieving concepts, formulas, facts and procedure (Zahrah et al. 2003) and lacked the ability to visualize
mathematics problems and concepts (Tarzimah 2005). Weakness in understanding concepts, logic-thinking and
lacking of strategic knowledge caused errors in problem-solving (Tay Lay Heong 2005). Occurance of similar errors
signified difficulties (Nik Azis 2008). A part from that, error analysis showed that students were lacking in
arithmetic and procedure knowledge as a result from weak conceptual understanding (Latha 2007). Mohd Johan
(2002) stated that many students could not bring meaning to the problems and did not know how to plan and
perform the problem-solving strategies. However, not many studies emphasized on the difficulties of mathematics
problem solving related to mathematics skills deficit. If the difficulties in mathematics skills involved are
understood, better programmes to overcome the difficulties could be prepared. Moreover, if learning approaches
and teaching strategies applied did not fulfil the intellectual needs of the students, these could lead to students’
difficulties in learning mathematics. Teachers need to understand students’ potential, problems and learning
difficulties in order to implement effective teaching strategy and to produce meaningful learning among students
(Meese 2001).
Students’ views on the difficulties faced might be a guideline in preparing diagnostics instrument and explicit
programmes so as to assist this group of students. Understanding of the difficulties faced among students is crucial
in preparing meaningful modules and programmes. Attention on specific mathematics skills might lead to more
meaningful teaching and learning process. However, studies on problem-solving that were interrelated to the
mathematics skills are still insufficient even though the understanding of the mathematics skills involved in the
mathematics problem solving difficulties is essential. The purpose of this study is to get the understanding from
students’ perspective on;
i) What are the mathematics skills that might cause students’ difficulties in mathematics problem solving?
ii) How do the mathematics skills influence the students’ difficulties in mathematics problem-solving?