Memorizing the Multiplication Table: Basic to Numeracy Among Grade Six Pupils in the Lian Central School

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Learners find Mathematics a difficult subject and perceived it as more complicated when multiplication process is involved. Mathematics teachers utilized various strategies to teach the subject area the easiest possible way, but still, pupils struggle to solve mathematical problems. In this regard, I dug the root cause on why our Grade Six pupils do not perform well in Math especially when multiplication is applied. This study focused on the academic gap of pupils in terms of multiplication and how to address this gap through the extensive implementation of memorizing the multiplication table.

METHODS

A descriptive survey method was used in this study. Recitation of multiplication table was conducted to 60 Grade six pupils and found that very few pupils have mastered the multiplication table of 6 to 9. Questionnaires, checklists and interview guide were used to gather the baseline data, to identify the level of each pupil's mastery of multiplication table, to gather concrete evidence on how many pupils can solve simple multiplication equation and perceive teachers'  point of view regarding the memorization of the multiplication table.

RESULTS

Prioritizing the memorization of the multiplication table led to the development of each pupil's confidence in learning Math, thus pupils became more active and more participative in different mathematical activities. Pupils were able to solve the problem and other related activities in their most convenient way upon learning the basics of memorizing the multiplication table. Mathematics teachers also benefitted from this project because the time consumed in teaching multiplication related activities were lessened due to pupils' mastery of the multiplication table.

DISCUSSIONS

The results manifested the importance of memorizing the multiplication table since learning multiplication is an integral part of a child's elementary education. Pupils who have mastered multiplication gained a solid foundation in mathematics that will help them not only during the period of their studies but also in everyday living.