Project INN (intervention for Non-Numerates): A Continuous Improvement Research

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

About 10% of Grade 7 population were being recorded non-numerates at the beginning of each school year. Various Mathematics intervention were implemented to address this concern, but none seemed to be successful. One major issue is always, the non-attendance of students. How can things be learned if they weren't present? That is the reason why Project Inn was implemented. In these intervention classes, students were taught the four fundamental operations; addition, subtraction, multiplication and division and they were programmed to attend all its session with gusto.

METHODS

The program applied the stimulus-response concept where it made sure to instill in student's mind the importance of merely being present in intervention classes through a basic stimulus; food. Students were given free meals at the beginning of every session. Its purpose was to ready the students physically and mentally for the next hour. The program believes in the importance of eating before studying. It helped students to focus more on the lessons and to accept and process information the best way possible. It also motivated the students to attend intervention classes on a regular basis.

RESULTS

Improvements in the study habit were clearly visible due to the present stimulus. The Project INN not only offered students with a variety of ways on how the four fundamental operations; addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, can easily be learned, it also helped students to be organized, to manage their time well, and to see the importance of being in attendance to perform better as students. Those who were part of the Project INN showed major improvements in their studies. It is not just learning the fundamental operations in Mathematics, but teaching them to be disciplined and instilling into them a lifelong habit.

DISCUSSIONS

The results showed that sometimes we need not to look at things we thought weren't important because answers can be seen through the basic concerns we needed to address. There are different Mathematics intervention approaches and strategies around the globe but none of these can be implemented successfully if students will not be motivated to participate. There are many possible stimuli out there, and what we simply have to do is to make good use of it.