One-on-one Interaction Addressing the Learning Gaps in Mathematics

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Learning gap is the difference between what a student has learned and what the student was expected to learn at a certain point in his or her education. A math learning gap refers to any math skills that a student should have previously mastered. One of the more consequential features of learning gaps is their tendency, if left unaddressed, it will compound over time and become more severe and pronounced, which can increase the chances that a student will struggle academically and socially or drop out of school.

METHODS

This research used the descriptive method. Data collection was based on student's performance on a missed or poorly understood the concept after learning gaps were discovered. A respondent will be given a teacher-made learning material to work with the help of the teacher on one-on-one interaction bases. The performance before the treatment based on diagnostic assessment and after the treatment based on the post-assessment were used to evaluate the effectiveness of the intervention on learning gaps in mathematics.

RESULTS

Poor knowledge of basic mathematics concepts, without mastering foundational skills, led a difficult experience in coping with the principles. A rudimentary understanding of the concept was achieved by the child but he or she did not master the concept enough to understand how and when to apply it. The outside factors are causing the child stress and so they cannot focus in class. Without mastering foundational skills, this student may face complications in his studies which may lead to the undesirable learning experience.

DISCUSSIONS

It is a cyclic process where building a solid conceptual understanding helps students learn procedural skills. This can be a week or years after the learning should have occurred. The quicker a learning gap is addressed the fewer problems it will create, but it is never too late to close a learning gap. Helping students to close learning gaps will hopefully enable them to cope with difficulties and have meaningful learnings in a classroom setting. The teacher must administer diagnostic assessment before the start of a regular class to identify learning gaps among students especially in mathematics since mathematics skills build upon each other. A one-on-one interaction of the teacher with the student is an effective method in addressing learning gaps. The student with learning gaps must be given attention as early as possible because the quicker it is addressed the fewer problems it will create.