The Problem-Solving Abilities of Grade VI Pupils

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Numeracy skills are the common waterloo of the elementary pupils at present. Results of the National Achievement Test and Numeracy Test conducted among grade six pupils in the elementary in the past years showed a declining rate. Teachers conducted several interventions but still, the deteriorating grades of pupils persist. The researcher found out that the pupils are low in solving word problems. That made way for the researcher to conduct this action research study. In this study, the researcher identified the problem-solving abilities of grade VI pupils and the solving skills by which the pupils find it hard to develop.

METHODS

This action research utilized the descriptive form of research. All teachers were asked to answer the questionnaire and all grade six pupils were the participants of this study. After the collection and gathering of numeracy results of pre-test and post-tests, the researcher identified the performances of pupils in problem-solving using the mean percentage score.

RESULTS

After further investigation of the result, it was found out that most of the errors committed by the grade six pupils were on the problem-solving competencies and skills. In terms of the problem-solving skills used by the teachers, it can be observed that four of the items were marked to a great extent. The result shows that the teachers are using the competencies, skills, and knowledge required in teaching problem-solving in Mathematics. As shown by the result, the length of problem-solving can also affect the result of the performance.

DISCUSSIONS

The results showed the problem-solving skills of grade VI pupils. Teachers, school heads, and stakeholders design school programs and interventions to remove the gaps in problem-solving deficiencies of pupils and enhance the reading skills of pupils for further comprehension and understanding. Teachers should also employ different strategies and methodologies in teaching Mathematics.