Level of Interest in Mathematics of Grade 6 Pupils as Correlates to their Performance in Dao Elementary School, Tuy, Batangas

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Mathematics is inevitable. It is important, no matter how difficult it is. The weakening performance of pupils in Mathematics despite its importance motivated the researcher to conduct a research on the level of interest of pupils in Mathematics of Grade 6pupils in Dao Elementary School as correlates with their performance. It also intensified the desire of the researcher to find the factors that may help enhance pupils' interest in Mathematics, thus improve their performance in the subject.

METHODS

To meet the objective of this study, the descriptive method of research was used. This study also utilized questionnaires to obtain the needed data from forty (40) Grade 6 pupils. After the respondents answered the questions, the researcher analyzed and described the responses given using the following statistical treatment: The Frequency Counts, Weighted Mean, and Pearson r.

RESULTS

The findings of this study revealed that there was no significant relationship between the respondents' age and sex and their interest in Mathematics in terms of pupils' behavior in learning the subject, teacher's teaching practices, and non-traditional methods of teaching mathematical concepts and skills. However, there was a significant relationship between pupils' interest and their grades in Mathematics during the first grading period which implied that pupils' interest affected their performance in the subject.

DISCUSSIONS

There are different factors that may affect pupils' performance in Mathematics which includes teachers, methods used in teaching and pupils themselves. To enhance their interest in the subject, educational institution and teachers must provide an enabling and empowering environment. The teachers should use the appreciative inquiry and provide positive feedback and encouragement to build their self-confidence. They must also use interactive activities, innovative teaching materials and a variety of games which will be more engaging and encouraging for pupils to participate. They also must maximize the time each academic subject most especially Mathematics to provide students avenue for enhancing their skills in mathematical problems. The results of this study can be considered as a basis for further research especially on the aspects that were not captured in this academic inquiry particularly the factors affecting the performance of pupils' in Mathematics in relation to their behavior which are rooted mainly from their family.