The Status of Grade Six Pupils in Creating Word Problems: A Basis for the Proposed "Create M.A.T.H. Learning Package”

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Solving word problems, more so, creating their own problem story is a tough job for a Filipino learner, especially because Math problems should be stated in English and some other factors that may hinder mastery of such learning competency.Strategic approaches and interventions need to be applied to make learning possible.The researcher would like to propose the utilization of "Create M. A. T. H. Word Problems" which means Making a mental picture a situation, Applying the basic mathematical operations, Thinking of the characters, data needed and keywords and finally Having a try and create their own word problems.

METHODS

The survey method is used to collect descriptive data. The researcher utilized a self-made questionnaire which will be the basis for the study. The survey consisted of a Likert-type rating scale to provide evidence to present the pupils' views on the subject matter.Also, the questionnaire consisted of a checklist about the strategies used by the teacher and the difficulties encountered by the pupils in creating word problems. Data gathered were tabulated and analyzed using the weighted mean and frequency distribution.

RESULTS

The researcher found out that the Grade Six-Diamond pupils have a low performance can be attributed in their difficulties in constructing English sentence and inability to perform best in the basic skills in Math. Added to this, their low interest, little motivation and lack of confidence in doing the tasks were also factors affecting their ability to write their own word problems.

However, it is significant to note that they can create word problems using guided story problems . With this finding, teachers should scaffold the process or provide guide word problems to help create problem story.

Venturing into using the strategic instructional materials that captures the interests and heightens the pupils' motivation is a big challenge to teachers.

DISCUSSIONS

The research proposed the utilization of learning designed to gauge the pupil's own level of performance, then follow a step-by-step procedure to achieve better performance in creating word problems with reasonable solutions. "Create M. A. T. H. word problems" means Making a mental picture a situation, Applying the basic mathematical operations, Thinking of the characters, data needed and keywords and finally Having a try and create their own word problems.