Level of Reading Comprehension and Mathematical Problem-Solving Skills of Grade 5 Pupils in Salaban Elementary School, S. Y. 2018-2019

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Problem-solving is an important part of Mathematics. However, before a student can successfully solve a problem, he has to possess good reading comprehension, analytical, and computational skills. Problem-solving in mathematics enables students to acquire ways of thinking, habits of persistence and curiosity, and confidence in unfamiliar situations (NCTM, 2000). It will be easier for students to do problem-solving if they have good reading comprehension skills. The researcher decided to conduct a study on the relationship of reading comprehension to the problem-solving skills of students.

METHODS

The study used a descriptive-correlational design which involved describing and correlating behaviors of the subject. The researcher used the total enumeration technique. The researcher used test-questionnaires to determine the level of reading comprehension and the level of mathematical problem-solving skills of pupils. To tabulate the data, the researcher used the following statistical tools: the mean, standard deviation, t-test and Pearson product correlation coefficient.

RESULTS

In the level of reading comprehension, the participants gained a mean score of 3.76 and interpreted as frustration. In terms of mathematical problem-solving skills, the participants gained a mean score of 3.31, interpreted as frustration. It implies that pupils do not have an adequate background for both reading comprehension and mathematical problem-solving skills. Based on the Pearson Product Correlation Coefficient or simply Pearson r, the results revealed that there was a significant relationship between pupils' level of reading comprehension and mathematical problem-solving skills.

DISCUSSIONS

Based on the findings of the study, the following conclusions were drawn: (1) The reading comprehension level of students is under "frustration”, (2) The mathematical problem-solving skills of students is under "frustration”, and (3) There is a low positive correlation between students' reading comprehension skills and mathematical problem-solving skills.