"PROJECT SMILE" Strengthening Mathematics Skills through Innovative Learning Experiences: A School-Based Program to Improve the Numeracy Level of Grade 3 IlangIlang Pupils at Masaya Elementary

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Teaching Mathematics is one of the primary concerns of education. Knowledge and skills in Mathematics should be developed among students for they are mostly used in man's daily activities. This study was pushed through to solve the problem of the school with regards to low numeracy performance level of the majority of the pupils in every class. The researcher of this study focused on determining the impact of the school-based program called Project SMILE (Strengthening Mathematics Skills through Innovative Learning Experiences) as an intervention to improve the numeracy level of the Grade 3 pupils with diverse learning abilities, which became the driving force for the researcher to craft the school-based program or intervention through the utilization of different innovative strategies.

METHODS

Descriptive method and documentary analysis were used. The data gathered were analyzed based on the result of the pre-test and the post-test conducted. To be able to analyze the data gathered, different statistical tools were used such as Percentage, Frequency Distribution, and Weighted Mean. Weighted Mean was used to assess the effectiveness of the program.

RESULTS

Based from the results of the comparison between the pre-test and post-test, there was an increase in the number of learners under the outstanding level, thus a slight increase in the satisfactory level, and obviously, a remarkable decrease in the number of pupils who did not meet the expectation. This study has proven its validity since the program implemented resulted to a significant improvement on the numeracy level of the learners who were tested in the study, hence, recommended to be utilized by the other grade level experiencing the same scenario.

DISCUSSIONS

The study revealed that there was a substantial increase in the ability of the student participants to grasp fundamental concepts of multiplication after participating in the Project SMILE, which was translated into higher test scores in their post-test. Giving interventions and remediation to pupils with low mastery in multiplication is highly recommended because there is a higher chance to improve their perceived shortcomings or weakness and thus achieving progress and success. Moreover, the findings of the study imply the necessity of teachers' competency and preparedness in teaching, utilizing the different teaching strategies to fully achieve the goal of the school to provide learners with quality education.