Analyzing Mathematics Word Problems of Elected Grade Five Pupils of Tomas Daguins in Elementary Project through Project MATH (Mathematics Ay Aralin Tuwing Hapon)

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Mathematics is all around us and in everything we do. It is important because everything revolves around it like health, music, language, and logic to name a few. Teaching mathematics to young children is about developing strong number sense with mastering their facts, using vocabulary skills and providing concrete elementary math activities. Teaching mathematics is a big challenge for teachers because pupils are aloof to it. They think of mathematics as something very abstract, making it hard to comprehend. Teachers have devised different strategies to simplify the teaching of the subject. Pupils are even made to attend MTAP classes and join math competitions. But these are only true for a few numbers of pupils. In fact, Tomas Daguinsin Elementary School got only 69.67% in NAT 2014-2015.

METHODS

This action research is purely descriptive in nature, which uses test results to address the pupils' problem. The used of teacher-made Mathematics Vocabulary Words (vocumath) as an intervention in understanding mathematical terms improved the vocabulary of the pupils and they are now familiar with the terms used in mathematical problem-solving questions.

RESULTS

As a result of this study, pupils can now solve mathematical word problems through various interventions. This learning strategy improves the skills in solving word problem of pupils, which require patience and passion for pupils and teachers. This strategy is a great help to pupils who find it hard to comprehend and solve a mathematics word problem.

DISCUSSIONS

Teachers need to continue to work on improving the pupils' comprehension skills as well as their math skills. They need to address these kinds of problems to develop pupils ready for the challenges of the 21st century.