B3 (Bring Back the Basics): A Numeracy Program in Strengthening Foundations in Mathematics

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Meeting the cognitive demands of pre-set competencies and presenting lessons that require mastery of pre-requisites are the biggest challenges in teaching Mathematics. Teachers tend to give more emphasis on recalling the basics of everything, sacrificing the allotted time in executing the planned activities. Many students failed to master the basics of the four fundamental operations resulting in low academic achievements. B3 or "Bring Back the Basics" program aimed to give remediation to those students who are non-numerate, struggling on the basics of arithmetic, to cope with the needs and requirements of the regular Mathematics class.

METHODS

A mixed-method research design was used. After administering the validated teacher-made numeracy test to the sections handled by the researchers, Purposive Sampling was employed and identified 10 lowest scorers as the focus of the program. Teachers/Facilitators provided remedial sessions; used a specialized module on Four Fundamental Operations and Basic Concepts on Fractions; gave lectures and distributed activity sheets, and pre-and posttests as the basis of students' progress. Class standings before and during the program were also compared. Respondents were interviewed to determine the perceived level of effectiveness of the program.

RESULTS

After the post numeracy test, individually, students increased their scores as well as the mean percentage scores of the group (Pretest MPS: 10.7 and Posttest MPS: 20.6). It was also observed that the respondents' class standings improved during the conduct of the program. With an overall mean of 4.46 (Agree) on the perceived effectiveness of the program, students believed that the remediation was effective enough in helping learners who need assistance on the fundamentals of arithmetic.

DISCUSSIONS

Individual and mean percentage scores showed that there were improvements in students' performance in the regular Mathematics class after attending the B3 program. They were able to recall the essential concepts of four fundamental operations and fractions which are the foundations of Arithmetic. To build a great structure, a super strong foundation is needed, therefore, continuous support on the program to cater more students who lag behind the basics of Mathematics was highly recommended.