The Effects of Memorization of Multiplication Table in the Performance of Grade V and VI Pupils in Mathematics at Balibago Elementary School

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

As a teacher of Mathematics, the researcher has experienced failure in teaching these topics because of multiplication table memorization problem. No matter what the teacher does to save the day, still failure on the part of the pupils to know, understand, memorize the multiplication table will rend all efforts useless. The researcher could no longer stand the feeling of inadequacy seeing her pupils find difficulty in every mathematics problems involving multiplication and consequently division. In her aim to determine the factors that caused non-memorization of multiplication table, she embarked on this study. This study aimed to determine the effects of non-memorization of the multiplication table in the performance of Grade V and VI Pupils in Mathematics at Balibago Elementary School during the School Year 2017-2018. This study aimed to produce an output to help pupils get over their difficulties.

METHODS

The researcher used the results of the Mathematics multiplication test which revealed who among the pupils would be the respondents of this study. Ten (10) pupils obtained lowest scores in the test. The researcher utilized the descriptive design in undertaking this study. A descriptive design involves describing, analyzing, and interpreting certain conditions which is existing at the time that a study is conducted and compare and contrast results in the attempt at the discovery of a cause-and effect relationship which is existing at a certain location such as Balibago Elementary School. It describes the nature of the situation which is the difficulty of Grades Five and Six pupil in Mathematics because of non-memorization of the multiplication. The researcher assured that the responses in the questionnaire would be treated with confidentiality and that the respondents' identities would be kept anonymous. Since the pupils were all underage, the consent of parents were also sought. The questionnaire was also peer validated to ensure that all responses were done objectively.

RESULTS

It was found that the pupils had very low multiplication skills. They also perceived negatively the memorization of the multiplication table.

DISCUSSIONS

Results revealed that the Grades Five and Six pupils had difficulty in solving problems in multiplication. This result can be attributed to the truth that these pupils have not yet memorized the multiplication table. These pupils did not give priority and importance to the Mathematics subject which is a functional one.