Reading Comprehension and Ability in Solving Word Problems in Basic Mathematics

Abstract

Introduction

One of the topics taught in mathematics is solving word problems. Since the medium of instruction in mathematics is English then the student's ability in solving word problems may be related to their knowledge of the English language particularly their level of reading comprehension as the solution of word problems require their translation into the right mathematical phrases or equations. The main purpose of the study was to determine if there is a significant relationship between reading comprehension and word problem-solving in basic mathematics. It also sought to find out the competency of the respondents in reading comprehension and word problem-solving.

Methods

In this study, the descriptive-correlational method of research was used. Data was gathered using a multiple-choice type test consisting of 30 items. The Split-Half Reliability Test was used to establish the reliability of the instrument. The arithmetic mean was used to determine the level of competence of the respondents in reading comprehension and word problem-solving ability. Pearson product-moment correlation coefficient was used to determine the relationship between reading comprehension and word problem-solving ability.

Results

In light of the findings of the study, the following are the results: 1. The majority of the respondents have a poor level of reading comprehension. 2. The majority of the respondents have a poor level of word problem-solving ability in basic mathematics. 3. There exists a significant relationship between reading comprehension and word problem-solving ability in basic mathematics. The low positive correlation between the two variables implies that there are other factors aside from reading comprehension that affect the performance of the respondents in solving word problems.

Discussions

The poor performance of the respondents suggests that they lack vocabulary knowledge and the ability to decipher word meanings. The difficulties of the respondents in solving word problems in basic mathematics is an indication that they have poor reading comprehension skills which handicap them to translate the word problems into the appropriate mathematical phrases or equations that consequently lead to the successful solution of the problems.