Problems Affecting the Numeracy Skills among Grade Four Learners of Selected Schools in Malapatan 1 District

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Numeracy is the skill to apply math concepts in all areas of life. A child's low numeracy skills may result in detrimental performance towards higher mathematics. Many children experience difficulty bridging informal Mathematics knowledge to formal school Mathematics. The use of structured, actual materials is significant to secure this association, not only in the early primary grades but also during idea development stages of higher-level Mathematics. Some learners require particular emphasis in translating between various written forms and different ways of understanding the various representations of objects or drawings. Thus, it needs long-term appropriate remedial attention in order to support successful life adjustment in adulthood. This study determined the problems affecting the numeracy skills of Grade IV learners of selected schools in Malapatan 1 District. The categories of these problems were home, personal, emotional and problems on teacher’s instruction.

METHODS

This study utilized descriptive-correlational method of research. The problems affecting the numeracy skills were correlated to the level of numeracy skills in Mathematics of the learners. Such problems were categorized into home problems, personal problems, emotional problems, and problems related to teacher's instruction. There were 100 respondents chosen through simple random sampling using fish bowl technique to identify the names of the learners from the four selected public elementary schools in Malapatan 1 District. The researchers used statistical tools such as frequency, percentage, mean, and Pearson r.

RESULTS

The result of the study showed that Grade IV learners are moderately affected by home problems, personal problems, emotional problems and problems on teachers' instruction. The level of numeracy skills in Mathematics of Grade IV learners is satisfactory. There was a 4.69 difference between the numeracy skills of male and female learners. Lastly, emotional problems of the Grade IV learners and their problems with their teacher's instruction, slightly affected their level of numeracy skills in Mathematics.

DISCUSSIONS

The result implies that the more the Grade four learners are affected by their emotional problems and teachers' method of instruction problems; they tend to have a low level of numeracy skills in Mathematics. Moreover, remediation instruction may be conducted for poor performing learners in Mathematics. This is to prevent their poor learning levels and schools must conduct in-service trainings, seminars, or workshops. This may also help to develop teacher's strategies, techniques, and methods for a more effective Mathematics teaching. These are recommended to avoid problems affecting the numeracy skills of the learners.