The Attitudes of Grade 10 Students of Caluangan National High School Towards Solving Problems in Mathematics

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Students' attitudes toward solving problems can have an impact on Mathematics achievement. This is the reason why the solving problem must be given attention and difficulties must be addressed. Most students have a negative attitude toward this skill and this should be overcome in order to change their mindset as regards solving problems. Furthermore, it is important that they know the benefits of having the skill in their future employment and career. It this study, we determine the attitude of Grade 10 students of Caluangan National High School towards problem-solving in Mathematics which will serve as the basis in making an innovation.

METHODS

This study utilized descriptive design to determine the attitude of fifty-five (55) Grade 10 students of CNHS towards solving the problem in Mathematics. The survey questionnaires were distributed to the respondents. The data gathered in the survey instruments were statistically treated through percentage method, mean rating, and ranking. Five-point Likert scale was also used for the verbal interpretation of the computed mean.

RESULTS

The responses of the respondents as regards to their attitudes towards Mathematics revealed their positive attitudes on the matter. Though they find problem-solving difficult, they still believe that logical thinking skill is developed through this in real life situation. Based on the result of the study, most students understand the given problems when they ask the help of the teachers; they find difficulty working on it independently. The study further shows that students could hardly comprehend and analyze the problems given; therefore, it takes a hard time for them to identify the approaches and formula to be applied in order to arrive at the solution.

DISCUSSIONS

The result of this study indicates that there is a need for innovation addressed to the weaknesses of the students in dealing with problem-solving in Mathematics. Since reading and comprehension abilities of the students play a vital role in this mathematical skill, there is a need for the integration of English in Mathematics. It is also found out that students have a little patience in dealing with problem-solving, making them think that it is a difficult task. In order to sustain the interest of the students in this skill, they should be given problems based on real-life situations which they can relate with.