Notes

Introduction

Math competitions have long served as a platform for incredible accomplishments, showcasing the aptitude of young brains for analytical thought and problem-solving. With the increasing popularity of these contests, there is a growing need to comprehend the elements that lead to success. In order to identify trends, strategies, and insights that support victories in this cognitively demanding field, we explore the many success stories found in the field of math contests in this systematic review. Math competitions have grown in popularity as a means of developing mathematical ability and promoting an excellence culture. They can range from modest local competitions to highly competitive international events (Smith 2017). Intense preparation is undertaken by participants, who are frequently students, who hone their talents via hard practice and theoretical study (Brown & Miller, 2020). Although there is no denying the appeal of winning, achieving success requires a complex process that is influenced by a range of internal and external circumstances. This review is intended for educators, researchers, and fans who want a thorough grasp of the processes that lead to competitive arithmetic performance. This work attempts to provide educators with actionable ideas to better enable aspiring mathematicians and students to improve their competitive performance by combining existing material and examining important case examples. There are many anecdotal reports and individual success stories about math competition performers, but there hasn't been a comprehensive examination of the similarities and differences between them. By addressing this void, we hope to add to the body of knowledge in the fields of educational psychology, cognitive science, and talent development by providing a sophisticated viewpoint on the dynamics of success in a cutthroat industry (Garcia & Lee, 2021). We hope to expand the findings recent study on the cognitive methods used by top-performing math competitors and investigate a wider spectrum of factors that lead to success. Using a systematic way, this research consults a wide range of sources, such as books, academic journals, online forums, and interviews with seasoned trainers and competitors. By means of both qualitative and quantitative analysis, our objective is to discern recurrent themes, techniques, and obstacles faced by accomplished participants. We hope to offer useful advice for teachers, students, and legislators who are interested in developing mathematical talent by outlining the critical success factors. After this introduction, the paper dives into a thorough analysis of the literature, breaking it down into thematic sections that examine the environmental, behavioral, and cognitive aspects that influence math competition success. Each part clarifies the intricate interactions between individual characteristics, training approaches, and sociocultural factors by synthesizing empirical findings, theoretical frameworks, and real-world experiences. We wrap up by synthesizing the most important findings and practical consequences, opening the door for more research in this exciting area.

Ethical Considerations

In the foremost systematic review of "Success Stories in Math Competition," there are various ethical issues that need to be considered in order to give courtesy to the study and the welfare of the participants and stakeholders.

First, researchers must ensure the trustworthiness of their study by avoiding biases and ensuring confidentiality. The study relies on participants' information, and trustworthiness is crucial. In order to ensure voluntary participation, participants should be fully informed of the objective of the study. It must avoid manipulations and biases in the findings, highlighting their responses in data analysis. The study's findings should be applicable to other contexts and reviewed by experts.

Participants' privacy and confidentiality are protected by not disclosing their identities during data collection, analysis, and reporting. The review is also carefully controlled, with anonymity and confidentiality maintained throughout the data processing and dissemination of conclusions.

Moreover, researchers should assure accuracy and consistency by emphasizing their approach and allowing others to validate their findings. Respecting people's contributions and experiences is essential for guaranteeing accurate and ethical representation.

Finally, researchers must assess both the advantages and disadvantages of the review, aiming to maximize benefits while limiting risks for both individuals and the larger society. Researchers may maintain the reliability and accuracy of their systematic review of success stories in math competitions by thoroughly reviewing these ethical issues.

Statement of the problem

This study sought to answer the following questions:

1.) How does the performance at the mathematics competitions affect high school students in terms of their demographic characteristics of gender, economic status, and school location?

2.) What are the factors that make high school students successful in mathematics competitions?

3.) How does participating in mathematics competitions influence the students' mathematical skills and problem-solving abilities?

4.) What are your teaching strategies or methods for preparing your students to win math competitions?

5.) What is/are the effect(s) of the students' participation in mathematics competitions on their academics?

6.) What ways can the educator help the learners succeed in math competitions?

Methodology

This study used a systematic review methodology, which enabled researchers to gather relevant research articles and studies from accessible databases and conduct systematic analysis of data. By collecting data synthesis, the selection of data will be dependent on the inclusion and exclusion of relevant research findings that have been obtained, providing comprehensive coverage.

We gather information from reliable online resources, including dissertations, school reports, and journal articles. On the other hand, their study approach had been structured using databases for systematic review according to the SPIDER (Sample, Phenomenon of Interest, Design, Evaluation, and research Type) approach. The selection method is based on titles, abstracts, and keywords like "math showcase," "math competitions," "success stories," "math experience," and "qualitative study in this database (Springer, ReseachGate, etc.). Moreover, the data extraction process through full text screening will be dependent on the exclusion of information exceeding the scope of the study, articles with abstracts only, articles with limited accessibility, and articles published before 2015. Additionally, the articles that are included should be timely and relevant, contain the previously indicated keywords, as well as ensure that they meet throughout the study's scope.

Result and Discussion

The purpose of this systematic review was to find student success stories and factors that lead to student achievement in math competitions. Carefully selecting pertinent publications. from databases like Springer, ResearchGate, etc. was part of the review process, and we have gathered 47 articles. After being initially found and examined, 42 publications in all were rejected for scope misalignment or lack of full-text availability. In the end, 5 articles that offered insightful information on the topic were included in the review, Students participate in academic competitions like the Mathematical Olympiad, which enhances their mathematical competence. These competitions provide enrichment, differentiation, teamwork, motivation, and help identify tough students (Rebholz, 2017). Mathematics competitions and Olympiads offer students. diverse experiences in mathematics education, enabling them to develop their critical thinking skills and problem-solving abilities. These competitions bring students from around the world together, promoting mathematical conservation and fostering a unifying effect in mathematics education (Ozdemir, 2022). Furthermore, mathematics competitions are vital in mathematics. education, fostering a community of students with shared interests. These extracurricular competitions significantly impact curriculum, research, and interaction with mathematics itself. The future of competitions may involve virtual competitions, allowing for international friendships and collaborations (Losada & Taylor, 2022). The National Sciences and Mathematic Competition in Indonesia enhances students' critical thinking skills through higher-level competitions. It encourages students to study harder, build social networking, and strengthen nation-wide cohesiveness (Wahidin & Romli, 2020). In accordance with this, math competitions in Albay significantly impact students' performance, despite challenges. Both genders excel, with visual leamers excelling. Support from schools, teachers, and community institutions helps overcome financial issues. To enhance performance, continuous profiling, teacher training, rewards, and enrichment programs are recommended (Nasayao & Goyena, 2020). Overall, math competitions are not just about academic success; they are also about personal development and career exploration. Teachers and other stakeholders can better support students' involvement in these events and help them develop a deeper appreciation for mathematics and its practical applications by knowing what makes a competition successful.

Conclusion

This systematic review focuses on mathematics competitions, which are a platform that enables young people all over the world not only to show their math prowess but also to grow their personalities and explore their careers. Factors such as study habits, learning styles. mentors, and coaches play crucial roles in students' success. Internal and external motivation, optimism, and self-assurance are also key factors, Math contests can create a sense of wonder for student professions while enhancing academic understanding and performance. To encourage a deeper appreciation for mathematics and its application, teachers and other stakeholders can find out what makes a student successful in math.

Limitations

There are many limitations that must be overcome in order to achieve success in learning. Due to limited time and insufficient access, the researcher could not fully find a link to the database. This study only analyzed eight articles retrieved from Eric and Google Scholar. It would be great if they looked at the effects of math competitions on the participants personally.