Project OPAD (One Problema Day): Improve the Math Word Problem Skills of Grade 3 Pupils in Santa Cruz Elementary School

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Teachers and pupils are generally acknowledging those word problems are difficult to solve. Most pupils typically did better on computational skill exercises then word problems. Unsuccessful encounters with word problems early in their elementary schools experiences may well have lasting negative effects on the Mathematical development of many pupils. In fact, initial work with word problems could be source of Mathematics anxiety for many people. The researcher found out from the result of periodical test most of the time had a low performance in solving mathematical problems. From the first quarter the pupils got 33% MPS and 40% for the second quarter. It is with this situation the author would like to contribute help in assisting pupils how they will be able to treat this competency as a challenge on their part. The pupils need to insist in their mind that word problem provide one avenue for the development of understanding while at the same time providing the opportunity to develop computational skills.

METHODS

RESULTS

There are 35 pupils were determined to have a low MPS every grading period during their quarterly exam. The data shows that they obtained 33% for the first quarter and 40% for the second quarter. From a randomly selected technique the researcher got 15 pupils who will undergo the intervention program called Project OPAD (One Problem A Day). Before utilizing the intervention program they were given pre-test and they got 68% MPS in the said assessment. This proves that the pupils had really a problem that need to be addressed immediately. As a result the fifteen participants shows a significant increase in the MPS from 68% it became 81% after the implementation of the Project OPAD it had a great impact on learners problem solving skills although .The use ofone problem a day makes the pupils aware of the steps and master it . The use of Project OPAD as an intervention in the mathematical problem solving skills of the pupils improves the pupils’ performance.

DISCUSSION

SThe fifteen (15) respondents of this study the pupils claimed that the main cause why they are poor in math word problem is they have problems in reading skills which rank number 1 while most of them lack interest and they also lack of vocabulary skills in Mathematics concept. This signifies that the pupils’ hindrance is reading which also accompanied with comprehension. They would not be able to understand to solve problem unless they can read and comprehend what they are reading. Project OPAD becomes the solution to overcome this weakness of the pupils part of the intervention was to unlock word they were not familiar and since the problem was given was only limited to one the pupils master the steps and be able to answer what is ask to solve the given problem. It shows a promising result and improvement on the pupils Mathematical skills particularly in problem solving skills.