Proposed MAthematics Summer Program for Incoming Grade 7 Students

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

In spite of the efforts to promote quality education, it is reflected in the performance of students that there was really a problem in the learning process as they move to a higher level. More specifically, it has been observed that Grade 7 students are having a hard time to grasp the new lessons in Mathematics. Since the curriculum is formed in a spiral system, it manifests that students cannot perform well in complex topics if they have problems with fundamentals. With that, the researcher felt the need to link the gap between expected and learned competencies among incoming grade 7 students by working on a Mathematics summer program to be held shortly before the official opening of every school year.

METHODS

Toward realizing the purpose of this study, the researcher used descriptive design. The researcher utilized triangulation thru questionnaire, documentary analysis, interview and focus group discussion as data gathering tools. The information collected from the responses was statistically analyzed, presented and interpreted.

RESULTS

Based on the findings, Grade 6 pupils lack mastery in problem-solving involving geometry; ratio and proportion; rate, base and percentage; and operations of dissimilar fractions with regrouping as shown in the result of National Achievement Test. Further, competencies related to solving word problems involving percentage/rate/base; volume; and division of decimal and fractions; together with differentiating algebraic expressions were identified to be the top five least mastered competencies as assessed by grade 6 Mathematics teachers. And lastly, low comprehension and retention level leading to memorizing without understanding and difficulty to solve word problems and non-mastery of pre-requisite skills are the major constraints met by teachers.

DISCUSSIONS

As revealed by the study conducted, incoming Grade 7 lack mastery of the basic skills which include word problem-solving skills, comprehension dealing with fundamental operations, fractions and formulas which required for their level as a jumpstart for junior high school Mathematics. Thus, a Mathematics Summer Program is recommended to serve as a preparatory program so that incoming junior high school students may be better equipped in meeting the competencies of higher Mathematics program.