Paper Title
A Study of Problem-Solving as a Correlate of Academic Achievement among Secondary School Physics Learners

Abstract
The study examines the relationship between Problem-Solving skills and Academic Achievement among secondary school Physics learners in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region, focusing on differences based on Gender and Education Board affiliation. Customized instruments measuring Problem-Solving skills and assessing conceptual understanding of Physics, along with Academic Achievement tests, were administered across grades six to nine of different Educational boards. Statistical analysis using Pearson's correlation coefficient revealed statistically significant positive relationships between Problem-Solving skills and Academic Achievement for both male and female Physics learners. Comparisons across different boards also indicated a consistent relationship between Problem-Solving and Academic Achievement. The paper lays emphasis on Problem-Solving as a means of learning to shift away from mere rote memorization of concepts Keywords - Problem-Solving skills, Academic Achievement, Educational Board, Gender, Physics Learners, Secondary school.