Performance of Grade Six Pupils in Mathematics at JCPMES: Basis for Math Polishing Project

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

For more than two decades of being a Grade VI Mathematics teacher, many of the pupils cannot solve mathematical problems because they don't have the mastery of the four basic operations.Another root cause is their poor comprehension of word problems. These are exactly the underlying factors why the researcher conducted this study. The poor performance of pupils in Mathematics tests, and the Diagnostic test administered were the basis for the Math Polishing project she made. It is a hope of the researcher that in her particular Mathematics class no child is left behind in terms of acquiring mathematical skills.

METHODS

The researcher utilized the Descriptive method of research using the Diagnostic Test as the data gathering instrument, pre-test and Assessment post-test. The pre-test was used as the basis for the Math Polishing Project. This project offered three important strategies that would harness the mathematical skills of pupils. 1.Five to ten exercises a day 2. Solving One -to Two-Step Word Problems 3. Parent's time From the 103 enrolled pupils in Grade VI for SY 2017 -2018, 19 pupils scored 49% and below in the 30 items Diagnostic test administered to surface pupils' ability in Math. The data analysis was based on the data obtained from the 19 respondents of the Grade VI pupils of Jose C. Pastor Memorial Elementary School for SY 2017 -2018.

RESULTS

The Diagnostic test was used by the researcher as the basis for surfacing the ability of Grade VI pupils (SY 2017 -2018) in Mathematics since she wanted to start the Math Polishing project as early as June. The level of numeracy of the respondents was raised. No one is considered Non-Numerate in the Assessment Test. There were 8 Numerates out of 19 respondents which had a corresponding percentage of 42.11%, then 11 out of 19 placed Nearly Numerates which got 57.89.

DISCUSSIONS

The strategies in the Math Polishing project, were helpful in the improvement of pupils performance in Math as the Grade II to III level of Mathematics exercises used in remedial lessons greatly helped the pupils understand how to perform Math problems involving the four operations and the parents' support and guidance aided in the improvement of the respondents' performance in Math.