Abstract

LARRAZOLO, Norma; BACKHOFF, Eduardo  and  TIRADO, Felipe. Mathematical Reasoning Skills among High School Students in Mexico. RMIE [online]. 2013, vol.18, n.59, pp.1137-1163. ISSN 1405-6666.

The objective of this study was to research the mathematical reasoning skills acquired by Mexican students who wish to enter public Mexican universities after graduating from high school. An analysis was made of the results of the examination of 45 mathe-matical skills on the Examen de Habilidades y Conocimientos Básicos ("Examination of Skills and Basic Knowledge"-EXHCOBA), used in the admissions processes of 2006 and 2007. The results confirm that the students have extremely low achievement, do not understand basic mathematical concepts, do not have the skills to solve numerical problEMS of medium complexity, and have knowledge related to the memorization of algorithms. The conclusion points to the importance of mathematical literacy for individuals and for the nation, and states that Mexico's educational system must make substantial improvement in mathematics education.

Keywords : evaluation; competencies; mathematics; high school education; university admissions tests; Mexico.

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