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GOOD SAMARITAN COLLEGES

COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
Burgos Avenue, Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija. 3100. Tel: (044) – 464-3212. Loc. 131
CHAPTER I

PROBLEM AND ITS SETTING

Introduction

Mathematics plays a big role in developing human thoughts,

bringing strategic, systematic reasoning processes used in problem

analysis and solving. It helps people to be able to anticipate,

plan, decide, and properly solve each problem in daily life.

Mathematics is also a tool to study technological sciences and

such. Thus, mathematics is useful to our living, helping to improve

the quality of life (The Basic Education Core Curriculum, 2008).

Moreover, the National Council Teachers of Mathematics (2012)

stated that problem solving skills are the main expectation of

Mathematics subject. On the other hand, the main purpose of

mathematics teaching is to enable students to solve daily life

problems. Hence, it can be said that Mathematics is a tool to train

students to be able to solve problems, and to build thinking

processes that lead to further ability to solve non-mathematical

problems.

Problem is a work in which an individual who is facing it

feel the need for solving or want to solve it, she/he does not

have a way how to solve it and she/he tries to solve it. It is

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GOOD SAMARITAN COLLEGES
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
Burgos Avenue, Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija. 3100. Tel: (044) – 464-3212. Loc. 131
therefore very important as a human being to solve the problem.

Likewise, with students, every student must have certain problem-

solving skills in solving problems or questions given by the

teacher. Because in mathematics is very synonymous with the problem

and in the process of completion needed problem solving skills.

But most of what happens in the field, students are not able to

solve math problems in everyday life. Students find it difficult

to solve them if given a problem. Students always say that the

problems in mathematics are difficult to resolve, so there is no

effort to solve them (Aydogdu, et al. 2014).

Many mathematics skills were involved in problem-solving.

However, large numbers of students have not acquired the basic

skills they need in Mathematics (Berch & Mazzocco 2007).

As a result, many students were reported to face difficulties

in Mathematics particularly in mathematics problem solving (Tay

Lay Heong 2005; Tarzimah 2005; Zalina 2005;). If teaching and

learning process is not equally effective for all students, the

difficulties in acquiring mathematic skills by the students could

get worsen.

Hugar (2011), pointed out the types of things we might think

about a mathematics classroom are equations, procedures, and word

problems, but in learning them, a student needs to master to solve

problem.

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GOOD SAMARITAN COLLEGES
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
Burgos Avenue, Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija. 3100. Tel: (044) – 464-3212. Loc. 131
Basic education curriculum, Buddhist era 2544 has specified

how Mathematics learning and students’ quality are important;

however, the students do not achieve in learning the subject. Most

of the students’ problem was the mathematical problem solving, the

important skill for the students’ further learning. Therefore, the

development of problem solving in mathematics is an important

mission that teachers are about to concern with to develop such

the necessary skill for their students.

Therefore, the researchers are interested in study the

factors affecting mathematics problem-solving skill of grade one

pupils. This study aims to study factors affecting mathematics

problem-solving skill of grade one pupils.

Conceptual Framework

Teachers play an important role in the trajectory of students

throughout the formal schooling experience (Baker, Grant, &

Morlock, 2008)

Furthermore,Dixon, et al., (2014), affirms learners will

develop deep conceptual understanding of word problems when their

teachers provide them with rich, and meaningful learning

activities.

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GOOD SAMARITAN COLLEGES
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
Burgos Avenue, Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija. 3100. Tel: (044) – 464-3212. Loc. 131
According to Effandi and Normah (2009), students’ attitudes

towards mathematics are very much related to their attitude towards

problem solving in general. They add that negative attitudes need

to be overcome, so that later in life, students will not suffer

from poor problem-solving skills

Effandi and Normah (2009) claim that students believe

that males are more successful at mathematics than their

female counterpart.

According to Education Matters (2008), students’ commitment

in mathematics refers to students’ motivation to learn

mathematics, their confidence in their ability to succeed in

mathematics and their feelings about mathematics. Students’

commitment in mathematics plays a key role in the acquisition of

math skills and knowledge.

Krick-Morales (2006) notes that Word problems in mathematics

often pose a challenge because they require that students read and

comprehend the text of the problem, identify the question that

needs to be answered, and finally create and solve a numerical

equation. Hence it is challenging to construct meaning by reading

a problem statement superficially.

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GOOD SAMARITAN COLLEGES
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
Burgos Avenue, Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija. 3100. Tel: (044) – 464-3212. Loc. 131

Attitude Towards
Mathematics

Comprehension Teacher’s Role

Mathematics
Problem
Solving Skill

Motivation Sex

Figure 1
Research Paradigm

The realization of the study was made possible through the

conceptual framework. The researchers used a Ferris wheel as their

research paradigm. The five seats specifically attitude towards

Mathematics, comprehension, motivation, sex and teacher’s role

stands as the factors that affects the mathematics problem solving

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GOOD SAMARITAN COLLEGES
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
Burgos Avenue, Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija. 3100. Tel: (044) – 464-3212. Loc. 131
skill of the learners. While the center or the eye of the wheel

stands as the Mathematics problem-solving skill of the learners

which is affected by the factors.

Statement of the Problem

This study aims to determine the factors affecting

Mathematics Problem solving skill of the learners and sought to

answer the following questions:

1. What are the profile of respondents in terms of:

1.1 Age

1.2 Sex

1.3 school

2. What are the factors affecting Mathematics Problem solving

skill of a learner?

2.1 Attitude towards math

2.2 Comprehension

2.3 Motivation

2.4 sex

2.5 Teacher’s role

3. Is there a significant relationship between sex and learner’s

problem-solving skill?

4. Is there significant relationship between attitude towards

Problem solving in mathematics?

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GOOD SAMARITAN COLLEGES
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
Burgos Avenue, Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija. 3100. Tel: (044) – 464-3212. Loc. 131
Hypothesis

1. There is no significant relationship between sex and

learner’s problem-solving skill.

2. There is no significant relationship between attitude

(patience, confidence, willingness) towards problem solving.

Scope and Delimitation of the Study

This study is limited only to Grade one pupils of public

school specifically the Lazaro Francisco Integrated School.

Determining the factors affecting Mathematics Problem solving

skill was the focus of this research. The information needed will

be gathered through observation and using standardized

questionnaire. All information and conclusions drawn from this

study were obtained only to this group of pupils.

The results of this study may be also a basis for future and

other similar study.

Significance of the Study

The researchers have high hopes findings of this study will

be used by and shall benefit the different persons included in the

educational process.

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GOOD SAMARITAN COLLEGES
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
Burgos Avenue, Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija. 3100. Tel: (044) – 464-3212. Loc. 131
School Administrator. The result of this study could serve as a

baseline data to improve programs in Mathematics for school

advancement.

Curriculum Planner. The result of this study will help them

appraise the existing programs in terms of the student’s needs and

abilities and make changes as required.

Teachers. The results of this study will help the teachers to know

well the learners ‘skill in problem solving and may serve as an

eye opener to create and innovates instructional materials, and to

use varied and appropriate teaching strategies in Mathematics

specifically in problem solving.

Students. This study will help the students to develop their skill

toward Mathematics specifically in problem solving and appreciate

the importance of Mathematics problem- solving in their daily

lives.

Parents- Who are directly concerned with the education of their

children will be more willing to help the teachers to become more

involved in their children’s learning activities and development

at home and even in the school.

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GOOD SAMARITAN COLLEGES
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
Burgos Avenue, Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija. 3100. Tel: (044) – 464-3212. Loc. 131
Future Researcher. The result of this study can serve as basis for

further study on teaching learning activities and student

mathematical performance specifically in problem solving.

Definition of Terms

The following terminologies were factually defined for a

clearer interpretation of the concepts used in this study:

Attitude- A predisposition or a tendency to respond positively or

negatively towards a certain idea, object, person, or situation.

Comprehension-the ability to understand completely and

be familiar with a situation, facts, etc.

Factors- a circumstance, fact, or influence that contributes to a

result or outcome

Motivation- Internal and external factors that stimulate desire

and energy in people to be continually interested and committed to

a job, role or subject, or to make an effort to attain a goal.

Role- the part that someone or something has in a particular

setting or situation.

Sex- the state of being male or female

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GOOD SAMARITAN COLLEGES
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
Burgos Avenue, Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija. 3100. Tel: (044) – 464-3212. Loc. 131
To simplify and to make it easier to understand the study,

the following term were defined according to their operational

use:

Mathematics problem solving skill- the ability to understand,

analyze,interpret and solve a mathematics situation or a problem.

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GOOD SAMARITAN COLLEGES
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
Burgos Avenue, Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija. 3100. Tel: (044) – 464-3212. Loc. 131
CHAPTER I

REVIEW OF RELATED LITERATURE

This chapter presents the related literature and studies after the

thorough and in-depth search done by the researchers.

Related Literature

According to Lai (2015), problem solving is a cognitive

process directed to achieve a goal when no obvious solution method

is available to the problem solver.

To clarify, Problem solving is a necessary skill not only in

mathematics but also in everyday living (Dela Cruz & Lapinid,

2014).

In the research study of Hugar (2011), Problem solving is the

back bone for mathematical instruction. This emergence has come to

be established due to the idea that studying math through problem

solving improves one’s ability to think, to reason, and to solve

problems that are confronted with in the real world.

However, according to Gooding (2009), children’s poor

performance with mathematical word problems is a trend and it is

vital to look at the causes of these difficulties, so that their

teachers can help them overcome these hurdles

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GOOD SAMARITAN COLLEGES
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
Burgos Avenue, Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija. 3100. Tel: (044) – 464-3212. Loc. 131
Attitude towards Mathematics

A considerable amount of literature has been published on

attitudes and problem solving in mathematics (Effandi & Normah

2009);( Kandemir & Gűr 2009).

In education, attitude is one of the important elements which

determine students’ success.

According to Cetingöz and Özkal (2009) attitudes affect the

students’ interaction with their friends, families, school and

lessons. Therefore, students’ attitude towards the course will add

to their success.

Students’ attitude towards mathematics influences the efforts

they put in understanding and practising mathematical concepts and

skills.

According to the National Research Council (2000) as cited in

Akey (2006), Students’ beliefs about their competence and their

expectations for success in school have been directly linked to

their levels of engagement, as well as to emotional states that

promote or interfere with their ability to be academically

successful. Thus attitudes determine the effort a student is likely

to put in his learning of the subject (mathematics).

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GOOD SAMARITAN COLLEGES
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
Burgos Avenue, Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija. 3100. Tel: (044) – 464-3212. Loc. 131
Comprehension

Some learners do not comprehend the problem and they tend to

be confused. Others look for keywords when they read a problem

instead of understanding it. This will lead incorrect translation.

When students fail to translate the problem, they end up with an

erroneous solution (Dela Cruz & Lapinid, 2014).

In Thailand, the results of the national examination on

mathematics achievement of nationwide sixth grade students between

2007-2009 shows that most students are in an improvement-needed

level (NIETS, 2012). The analysis of the O-NET examination for

students in grade 6 suggests that mathematical problems in the

examination consist of both symbolic and long text problems.

According to the results, most students have difficulties in

applying their mathematical knowledge into solving problems,

especially in text-based problems that need comprehension skills

in addition to mathematical thinking processes.

Word problems in mathematics education represent a set of

exercise or story problems that combine words or phrases with

numbers. To be successful in solving math word problems, students

must learn how to decode the important information and must

understand how to translate the important words or phrases into a

mathematical expression or equation. Word problems play an

important role in the Ontario mathematics curriculum including

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GOOD SAMARITAN COLLEGES
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
Burgos Avenue, Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija. 3100. Tel: (044) – 464-3212. Loc. 131
problems on the EQAO mathematics assessments (Barwell, 2011).

Vilenius-Tuohimaa,et.al (2007) investigated “the interplay

between mathematical word problem solving skills and reading

comprehension”. Their results suggested that the two skills were

in fact interrelated, and they found “a strong correlation between

all math word problem types and reading comprehension types

Difficulties experienced in problem solving are usually related

to reading difficulties (Reikerås, 2006).

In addition, as reading difficulties directly affect

learning, they may lead to problems during the course of teaching

the language of mathematics and problem solving (Dowker, 2005).

Motivation

According to Barwell (2011), motivated learners are more excited

to interact and learn.

Furthermore, Berhenke et al. (2011) points out that motivation

is related to academic achievement.

In addition, when students are motivated, this can lead them to

pursue opportunities to learn, that likely result in increased

effort, faster skill development, and higher academic achievement

(Aunola et al., 2006).

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GOOD SAMARITAN COLLEGES
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
Burgos Avenue, Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija. 3100. Tel: (044) – 464-3212. Loc. 131
Sex

Bessoondyal (2008), analyzed of the performance of students in

Mauritius at the School Certificate examination from 1995 to 2004

has revealed that boys were outperforming girls in mathematics at

that level. This trend was confirmed through a Mathematics

Questionnaire specially designed for this study.

On the other hand, Wendy Hansen (2008) stated that boys are

more likely than girls to be math geniuses. The researcher found

that neither gender consistently outpaced the other in any state

or at any grade level. Even on test questions from the National

Assessment of Education Progress that were designed to measure

complex reasoning skills, the gender differences were minuscule,

according to the study.

Teacher’s Role

The role of any educator in the classroom is to educate the

children and prioritize the important things for them to learn. It

can start by building self-confidence in every child. Teaching

word problems is not an easy task. The most cited classroom

practice was working the problem independently (Pearce, Bruun,

Skinner, & Lopez-Mohler, 2013).

According to Yiu, (2013) and Hawk & Lyons (2008) students

have some expectations on regarding behaviors of their teachers.

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GOOD SAMARITAN COLLEGES
COLLEGE OF EDUCATION
Burgos Avenue, Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija. 3100. Tel: (044) – 464-3212. Loc. 131
For example, students expect their teachers to show extra care to

them and eagerly establish a good relationship with them. These

expectations also affect students‟ social, emotional and

educational growing positively.

Classroom practices and strategies teachers use are crucial

to foster student problem solving. Students must be able to

recognize the types of word problems and the appropriate solution

to solve the problem (Powell, 2011).

O’Connor, et.al (2011) write that in regard to teacher

education, their study demonstrates “the importance of fostering

elementary school teachers’ awareness of the role of their

relationship with students, and provides teachers with information

as to how to support high quality relationships with their

students”

The quality of the relationship between a student and the

teacher will result in a greater degree of learning in the

classroom according to Downey (2008).

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