Comprehension Skills in English as an Aid in Solving Word Problems in Mathematics

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Comprehension skills among students are indispensable. The Grade V11 students in Cagmanaba High School was investigated on the impact of communication skills in English as an aid in solving word problems in Mathematics I. The study focused on the unlocking of difficult words first before the mathematics teacher continues the lesson. After several lessons, it was found out that there was improvement among students in solving worded problems. Open-ended questions were answered better by the learners. This indicated progress in their scores from a low score to a higher one.

METHODS

A 5-minute definition of terms was introduced by the teacher at the start of everyday Mathematics class. Terms that are found in the problem were given. This became a habit for several months of teaching worded problems. So the students were used already to the definition of terms and even knew the meaning of the term used in the problem. Thus, solving the worded problem in mathematics among students became a little bit easy as reflected in the result of their scores.

RESULTS

Many Grade VII students benefited from the study because as they continuously attended the mathematics class and gave much attention in the definition of mathematics words and other words included in the worded problems, solving problems became easy for them. Teachers also were used to the strategy of giving words to define before starting the discussion in a mathematics lesson. Problems were easy for students to understand and solve. Thus, all Grade VII students passed their mathematics class. This contributed to 100% in that grade level.

DISCUSSIONS

The result of this study implied the need of the students to be taught first how to comprehend through giving words to define and understand the definition which is then applied in worded problems. Comprehension skills in English can then be used as an aid towards solving worded problems in mathematics. Therefore, the skill in  comprehension is very vital in understanding the language of mathematics. We must be guided by this very simple but meaty study for the students to acquire knowledge.