Problems Encountered by Grade Four Pupils Toward Mastering MAthematics Competencies in Selected Elementary Schools in the Division
Keywords:
Mathematics Competencies, Elementary SchoolsAbstract
INTRODUCTION
Mathematics is important over and above the application of basic numeracy skills, and the prime vehicle for developing student's logical thinking and higher-order cognitive skills.
Mathematics anxiety is the result of the student's negative attitude or embarrassing experience with their mathematics teachers. Such an experience can leave a student believing him/her deficient in mathematics ability. This belief results in performance which serves as confirming evidence to the student. This phenomenon is known as "self-fulfilling prophecy". Mathematics anxiety results in poor performance rather than the reverse.This study aims to determine the problems encountered by grade four pupils towards mastering Mathematics learning competencies in selected elementary schools of Batangas City.
METHODS
The problems were categorized into personal problems, emotional problems, problems on teacher instruction, problems with school environment and problems with classmates.The researcher employed the descriptive method of research with the questionnaire as the primary data gathering instrument which was validated and administered 60 students from the research venue.
RESULTS
In general, the respondents encountered personal problems relating to hesitance to ask questions although they did not understand the lesson. The emotional problems encountered were difficulty in establishing desirable relationship with parents and siblings and excessive stress in doing academic task. On problems relating to teacher's instruction, a lack of ability to give clear and logical explanations was seen. On problems with their classmates, respondents identified bully classmates while on problems with the school environment, a lack of technological resources in teaching Mathematics was identified.
DISCUSSIONS
Based on the results, most problems encountered by the respondents are common in academic problems.
