Problem Solving Difficulties in Mathematics: Basis for an Intervention Program

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

The primary purpose of this research was to determine the problem-solving difficulties in Mathematics for the basis for an intervention program of grade six pupils of Maitim II Elementary School. The respondents have composed of 114 grade six pupils.

The researchers give a pre-test to determine the level of difficulties in Mathematics using the four fundamental operations. The researchers administered the questionnaire. The data were collected, analyzed and tabulated, the data for the statistical treatment. They come up with significant interpretation analysis of data. The conclusion used as a basis for an intervention program to help the students decrease their level of difficulties in problem-solving.

METHODS

The statistical treatment was frequency count, weighted mean, percentage and Spearman rho-to test the relationship between variables. The result showed that the respondents agree that the weighted mean got a high rank in linguistic knowledge of 5.32, and the schema knowledge got 4.8,the strategic knowledge got 4.2 and the algorithmic knowledge got 3.2 therefore, students respondents have the low ability in understanding and analyzing the procedure in problem-solving. It also showed that there is a significant relationship between the academic performance and the problem-solving difficulties of the respondents as stated in the Spearman's rho test of the relationship between variables.

RESULTS

Based on the study, there should be an intervention program to increase the problem-solving ability of grade six students in Maitim II Elementary School.

DISCUSSIONS

The teachers should give more appropriate activities in problem-solving specially to strengthen the analysis of knowledge. They should strengthen the four fundamental operations in problem-solving. The research should study the effectivity of the proposed intervention program.