Enhancing Student's Proficiency in Translating Mathematical Word Problems into Algebraic Equations in Improving Proficiency in Solving Mathematical Word Problems

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Solving mathematical word problems had been a major problem of the students in Naic National High School. Students’ failure in solving mathematical word problems can be attributed to the use of semantic or syntactic method to achieve an equation which is never based on any mathematical concept (Mangulabnan, 2013). This action research focused in determining the effectivity of cultivating students' skills in translating mathematical word problems into algebraic equations to improve their proficiency in solving mathematical word problems.

METHODS

Single Group Pre-test Post-test Experimental Design was utilized in the study. Purposive sampling through a pre-test was used for the identification of 107 Grade 11 students who were having difficulties in solving mathematical word problems. The respondents have been taught how to translate mathematical word problems into algebraic equations for eight weeks. A post-test was given to measure the effectivity of the intervention program.

RESULTS

It was found out that there exists a significant difference between Grade 11 students' proficiency for both translating mathematical word problems into algebraic equations and solving mathematical word problems before and after the implementation of the intervention program. The participants progressed from a low level to a very high level of proficiency for both competencies after the implementation of the intervention program. Moreover, the intervention program has increased the students' proficiency for both competencies by 152.51 % and134.90 % respectively. Furthermore, findings of the study revealed that there was a significant relationship between the participants' proficiency in translating mathematical word problems into algebraic equations and their proficiency in solving mathematical word problems.

DISCUSSIONS

The results of this study demonstrate the need for Mathematics teachers to put greater emphasis on enhancing their students' proficiency in translating mathematical word problems into algebraic equations to improve their students' proficiency in solving mathematical word problems. Findings of this study have revealed that translating mathematical word problems into algebraic equations is a pre-requisite skill that all students should master for them to be able to successfully solve mathematical word problems.