Attitudes towards Fraction of Grade Six Pupils of Iriga Central School, Iriga City

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

One of the concerns of today's mathematics education is to produce intelligent pupils who will eventually become better citizens of the future. Children today not only deeply apply mathematics in solving problems they encounter in their daily lives but also develop skills which will enable them to solve more complex problems in the environment or society where they live. In preparing the pupils of today to become successful individuals of tomorrow, mathematics teachers need to ensure that their teaching is effective and encourage every learner to love the subject. Teachers should have the knowledge of how students learn mathematics and how to teach best using different strategies and approaches.

METHODS

The researcher made use of the descriptive survey method. The statistical tools used were the frequency distribution, percentage technique, weighted mean, Five-Point Rating.

RESULTS

1) Majority of the pupil-respondents were on the age bracket of 12 years old and above with most of the pupil-respondents as males; on favorite topics on Mathematics, majority of the pupil-respondents liked to work with Area, Perimeter and Volume. 2) On attitudes of the pupil-respondents towards Fraction, the majority agreed on statements such as: I want my teacher to explain thoroughly the lesson for me to understand; More examples should be given for thorough understanding; Working in groups helps me better understand Math, and I feel the comfortable solving problem with a partner. 3) The majority preferred the Drill Method or Group Activity and Programmed Instruction as the strategies or approach on teaching Fraction. 4) The proposed output, the Activity Booklet in Fraction, could be utilized to promote good attitudes towards fraction among the learners.

DISCUSSIONS

The researcher, as a Mathematics teacher who completely believes that learning is most effective when pupils are actively involved in sharing ideas and work cooperatively to complete academic tasks, aims to develop programmed instructional materials on fractions. Mathematics for Grade Six is concerned with different learning competencies which include problems on fractions involving different processes. Hence, the researcher felt the need to introduce materials and develop problem-solving skills, attitudes and inculcate values among young learners. Hence, attitudes of learners towards Mathematics can be changed, producing graduates with the ability to apply mathematical skills in real-life situations.