Activity Sheets for the Improvement of Problem-Solving Skills

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Word problem-solving in Mathematics is an important aspect of learning not only the subject but also in thinking. Unfortunately, in everyday work, students show difficulties solving word-problems even when they may be skilled in performing other mathematical tasks. It is easy for students to perform basic mathematical operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division without reflective thinking. In this study, the researcher purposes for an intervention that will help enhance the level of performance of the students in solving mathematical word problems using activity sheets.

METHODS

The researcher used the experimental research in this study to gather the necessary data and information about the relation of the variables to the level of performance of the students in solving mathematical word problems. Using the experimental design, the Grade 7 students from Punta Integrated School were requested to serve as the respondents of the study. The sixty (66) students were divided into two: thirty-three (33) students as the control group and the other thirty-three (33) students as the experimental group. The experimental group was subjected to use the developed activity sheets.

RESULTS

There was a significant relationship between the students' profile and their levels of performance in solving mathematical problems; thus, the null hypothesis was rejected at a 0.05 level of significance. This means that gender, age, and subject of interest related to the performance of the students. There was a significant difference between the performances of the students; hence, the null hypothesis that the activity sheets have no significant effect on the performance of the students in solving mathematical word problems was rejected.

DISCUSSIONS

Mathematics teachers should assess the problem-solving skills of their students first, then they should provide more insights into additional instructions and better teaching strategies that will help the students improve their mathematical problem-solving skills. School board, schools' administrators and Mathematics teachers should prepare a regular monitoring plan on the performance of the students to maintain their satisfactory performance in Mathematics. Mathematics experts may conduct further studies regarding the improvement of students' mathematical problem-solving skills