Peer Tutoring in Teaching Grade 10 Mathematics

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Mathematics is a core subject in the curriculum. Although most students find it difficult, they need to learn it. Peer tutoring is a strategy done in the form of cooperative learning and its integration in the teaching-learning process is found to be effective in increasing the students' academic performance. This study aimed to determine the effect of using peer tutoring in the performance in Mathematics specifically in Geometry along the three levels of assessment namely knowing, applying and reasoning of the Grade 10 learners of San Miguel National High School, Tabaco City Division, Region V (Bicol) for the School Year 2015-2016.

METHODS

An experimental method of research applying random sampling was used. Of the four sections in Grade 10, 60 students were randomly selected as subjects, 30 for the experimental group and 30 for the control group. Fifteen peer tutors were selected based on their skills, attitudes, and performance during the first quarter. The peer tutoring session was done every Friday during the time allotted for Independent Cooperative Learning(ICL) from August to November 2015. A 50-item pre-test and post-test covering the topics for the second quarter was utilized and Z -Test was used to determine the performance level of the two groups before and after peer tutoring was done.

RESULTS

The results of the pre-test revealed that the performance level of the experimental and control group fell either on average mastery or low mastery. The overall z computed value is 1.374, which means that there is no significant difference in the performance level of the two groups. Whereas, the results of the post-test reflected that there is an increase in the performance level of the experimental and control group which fell either on moving towards mastery or average mastery. The overall z computed value is10.581, which shows a significant difference in the performance level in the post-test of the two groups.

DISCUSSIONS

The performance level of the students in Mathematics along with knowing, applying and reasoning can be improved through varied interventions used by teachers. Thus, peer tutoring is recommended to be used in the teaching-learning process for a more interesting and to improved performance of the students. This study can also be conducted in other learning areas and grade levels. Itis also helpful in doing research studies regarding different strategies to facilitate the teaching learning process.