Improving the Math Word Problem Solving Skills of Grade 6 Pupils in Gregorio A. Herradura Elementary School

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Teachers and Pupils are generally acknowledging that word problems are difficult to solve. Most pupils typically did better on computational skill exercises than word problems. Unsuccessful encounters with word problems early in their elementary school's experience may well have lasting negative effects on the mathematical development of many pupils. In fact, initial work with word problems could be the source of mathematics anxiety for many people.

METHODS

The respondents of this action research composed of 20 Grade 6 pupils out of sixty-eight (68) from the total enrolment in Gregorio A. Herradura Elementary School during the School Year 2016-2017. The author will utilize the purposive sampling technique from the total enrolment of the pupils to select the target of this study. The NAT result will be the basis of the study. A checklist in the form of the questionnaire will also use to get the greatest number of factors that contribute to the pupil's comprehension skills that need to be addressed. Pre-test and Post assessment test will also use to measure the effectiveness of the project upon utilization

RESULTS

The following results were derived. 1. Result of the National Achievement Test

The current result of the National Achievement Test is 53.15 which is lower than the previous which is 58.27. This connotes that the information prompt to make an action in which will improve the pupil's performance in Mathematics.

Weakness Encountered by the Pupils in Word Problem Solving

It can be said that the highest percentage among the indicators is Mathematical Vocabulary which gathers 30% followed by literacy or comprehension and the third is transforming written word problem to mathematical operation.

Result of the Pre-Test and Post Test

The data on the pre-test and post-test shows that upon utilizing a strategy to improve the pupil's performance in their problem-solving skills shows an increase in the mean level right every post-test.

DISCUSSIONS

The research shows that a major source of difficulty experienced by children in the problem-solving process is transforming the written word into mathematical operations and the symbolization of these operations. Literacy and mathematical skills need to be taught in combination to help pupils improve their math abilities and their comprehension and reading skills. Strategies will help pupils decipher what is important information, decode the mathematical vocabulary, and apply the mathematical skills that they know.