Effect of Rusbult's Problem Solving Strategy (Rupss)on Secondary Students' Problem Solving Attitude, Motivation and Achievement in Algebra

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Mathematics is a subject that is vital for gaining a better perspective on events that occur in the natural world. A keen aptitude for math improves critical thinking and promotes problem-solving abilities. One specific area of mathematical and geometrical reasoning is algebra which allows the basic operations of arithmetic, such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division without using specific numbers. This study is based on the premise that the Rusbult's Problem Solving Strategy will develop the student's attitude towards solving ability. Because of the relevance of algebra in daily activities and in preparation for college, all high school students must have mastery of the subject matter in Algebra.

METHODS

This study was conducted in Calubcub 1.0 National High Schools in San Juan District, San Juan, Batangas. To carry research work, the researchers used descriptive and experimental methods as her research design. The questionnaires were distributed to the four sections of Grade 7 students of Calubcub 1.0 National High School. The data gathered during the pretest and posttest, tallied, tabulated, analyzed and interpreted through the use of weighted mean, ANOVA and Spearson Rank Correlation.

RESULTS

This study found out that the respondents revealed moderate agreement in describing their problem-solving attitude before the intervention of Rusbult's Problem Solving Strategy. Both groups of students perceive themselves as being fairly equipped with problem-solving attitude in Algebra. The respondents have shown neither positive nor negative problem-solving attitude towards mathematics. In connection to students' achievement in Algebra, the students who are exposed to Rusbult's Problem Solving Strategy showed higher achievement in their knowledge and problem-solving ability in Algebra than those who are taught using the traditional method. There is a significant improvement in the problem-solving attitude of students when the Rusbult's Problem Solving Strategy is used.

DISCUSSIONS

Based on the results of this study, it was implied that the Rusbult's Problem -Solving Strategies should be tried in other Mathematics subjects as an effective problem-solving strategy. Seminars and in-service programs should be organized by the school administrators and mathematics associations of teachers to be acquainted with the teaching of Algebra and other Mathematics subjects using Rusbult's problem-solving strategies.