Difficulties in Solving Mathematics Problem: Basis for Remediation Program and Development of Instructional Material (Module)

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Mathematics is usually a subject that most pupils even adults feared off. A negative reaction is commonly uttered by any individual when they talk about this subject. In this research, we may be able to find out how techniques and strategies in the remediation program have helped pupils with regards to problem-solving in mathematics be overcome. Results, findings, and recommendations, as well as the development of instructional material (module), were summoned to help pupils overcome difficulty and produce a problem solver and critical thinker pupils.

METHODS

An evaluative-descriptive action research method was used. The researcher started the research by placing pupils in a pre-test to determine the difficulties or the least mastered skills/ competencies. The test was composed of different competencies, one of which is" solving mathematical problems. A teacher made test was also given in particular problem solving alone (two problems of which are a ten-item test). The results of the pretests gave way for the researcher to focus on giving the remediation program specifically on problem-solving in mathematics. After getting the data for the pre-test conducted, an action plan was made to guide the researcher on what to do during the process. The researcher then gave varied activities using different strategies and techniques. The respondents were placed on different types of learning to cope up and learn with an understanding of the lesson given on problem-solving.

RESULTS

34.68% increase was obtained from pretest of 25.60% to post-test of 60.28%, the same results of teacher made test, giving an increase of 39.8% from (38%, pretest) to (77.8%, posttest), which means that the strategies and techniques used in the program play a vital role in helping pupils overcome their difficulties in solving mathematics problems.

DISCUSSIONS

The results percentage of the pre and post-test conducted is evident to find more ways, investigate and make policies to improve or make better results in helping pupils overcome difficulties in any area of learning. The strategies that had help pupils overcome their difficulties may further be improved, adapted and implemented. Comprehensive training is provided to teachers for them to design the right interventions or develop more instructional materials that may address pupils' needs, hence the developed instructional material may be evaluated, validated and disseminated in wide use.