Utilization of Realia in Teaching Problem Solving in Mathematics among Grade Two Pupils in Balagtasin Elementary School

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Mathematics, as a subject, plays a vital role in our lives. It is very broad in some sense which is why educators must be knowledgeable enough in order to teach specific lessons according to the level, age, interest and diversity of learners. Teaching Mathematics should be made enjoyable among learners so that mastery of the skills taught can be ensured within the day. This study aimed to enhance pupils’ performance in teaching word problems through the use of "realia" based on the performance of learners as a focus in theory and practice.

METHODS

The descriptive method of research using the daily lesson plan was used in the study. There were 30 pupils which became the respondents of the study. They belonged to one section, thus no sampling was used. As respondents, ethical principles were considered during the data collection process. Ethical guidelines were followed to ensure that all the participants of the study were treated with respect and consideration.

RESULTS

The study was conducted through documentary analysis, writing/construction of lesson plans, and administration of test. A lesson was presented according to the steps and procedures implemented under K-12 curriculum and through the help of modern technology. The teacher often employed realia to strengthen pupils’ association between words for everyday objects and objects themselves. Through promotion of attitude of delight and fascination with numbers encouraged children to embrace rather than fear Mathematics. The researcher believes that engaging students into reality helps them discover things clearly. Result of evaluation means that the teaching method and strategies were effective for the learners to easily catch up the subject matter.

DISCUSSIONS

The results implied that realia used in math for problem solving is manipulative wherein the pupils performed their task according to the set rules. The lessons about identifying the steps in answering word problem involving addition of all numbers without regrouping, and analyzing and solving word problem involving addition of all numbers without regrouping, in which realia were applied. Majority of the pupils had very high performance in identifying the steps in answering word problem involving addition of all numbers without regrouping through realia. The proposed activities to supplement the use of realia in teaching Mathematics for grade Two Pupils were group work, pair share, role playing and games.