Improving Mathematics Solving Skills through Problem-Solving Activities

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this action research is to improve the Mathematics problem-solving skills of our pupils in grade 5 who are having difficulties in reading and analyzing mathematics word problem. We keep on findings some solutions and strategies on how to help our pupils to improve their mathematics problem-solving skills.

METHODS

This action research utilized output-based design in order to solve the difficulty in problem-solving. Provide unlocking of difficulties through vocabulary development before the beginning of the Math class. Establish a tutor-tutee relationship in reading comprehension and problem-solving wherein good pupil tutors a slow classmate assigned to him. Substitute large numbers by simpler numbers and use them instead of what is given in the problem. Problems can also be restated in much simpler terms. Evaluate pupils’ progress through problem-solving exercises. Develop the pupils' techniques in solving word problems. Make representation of objects so they will be able to visualize the problem clearly. Another technique is to translate the problem into a dialect most understood by the students.

RESULTS

The progress of the summative test result of 10 pupil-respondents is average. Out of 20 items, 12.1 was the average scores of the respondents in summative test 1. Then an average score of 12.6 out of 20 items in the summative test 2. Lastly, 14.2 out of 20 items was the average scores for the summative test 3. Moreover, an average score of 24.6 out of 50 items from a periodical test taken by the pupil-respondents. From the results of summative test and periodical test of the ten Grade, 5 pupil-respondents was below average although there was a progress from the first summative test up to the periodical test given by their Mathematics teacher during the school year.

DISCUSSIONS

By the end of this action research, pupils improved their limited vocabulary words in Mathematics, enhanced their problem-solving ability, and developed techniques in solving word problems. Extensive training programs, seminars, and workshops should be organized by the educators of Mathematics in elementary schools to employ problem-solving methods in the classroom. Educators of Mathematics in elementary schools should be trained to use problem-based learning approach for the 21st-century pupils.