AUTHENTIC LEARNING EXPERIENCE FOR MASTERY IN MATHEMATICS GRADE IV

Title :                AUTHENTIC LEARNING EXPERIENCE FOR MASTERY IN

MATHEMATICS GRADE IV

Researcher :   BHEL H. BERMEO

Degree :           Master of Arts in Education                      

School :           University of Caloocan City

Year :               March, 2018

  

ABSTRACT

     Mathematics has the reputation of confusing, frightening, and frustrating learners of all ages. Probably among the most confused, frightened, and frustrated are Filipinos, because we always ranked very low in global Math ratings. The most dismal perhaps was in 2011 when, among eight Southeast Asian countries surveyed, the Philippines ranked second to the last in terms of competency in Math. The problem is it is impossible to get away with Math, because more than being academic, it is a necessary part of our everyday lives. Which is why it might work if teaching Mathematics would be based on Constructivism, which is basically learning by experience.

     This was the basis of the study on an authentic learning experience for mastery in Mathematics focusing on Grade 4 pupils. Two Grade 4 sections - specifically, two teachers, and 75 pupils all in all - in Bagumbong Elementary School - Annex, Caloocan were the subjects of the study. The researcher used evaluation and descriptive normative survey methods of research, and frequency, percentage, and weighted mean were employed as statistical tools.

      From the data gathered, the researcher finds out that Grade 4 pupils struggle the most in mastering computational skills, especially when the problem involves two or more digits, as well as in explaining the processes they did or need to do to solve these problems. Learning based on Simulation, Inquiry, Peers and Project are found to be practical authentic learning practices for Mathematics Grade 4. Pupils who underwent such instruction gradually improved in their overall standing from the first to the third grading period. The researcher thus recommends that teaching Mathematics Grade IV should focus on improving the computational skills of the students as well as their mastery of the processes of solving mathematical problems. But more studies should be conducted regarding how Mathematics performance of basic education students can improve drastically, or if there is really a probability of such, most especially for public school students. The Department of Education must also support and focus its attention in developing learning exemplars that will improve students’ performance in Mathematics without the need for them to go to training or review centers.