Vocabulary and Identification of Information: Difficulties and Challenges in Word Problems Solving

John Carlo Unson

doi:10.18535/ijsrm/v9i08.02

Abstract

Word problems solving continues to be a problem for both students and teachers alike. As researches in word problem solving along reading comprehension are continuously undertaken, the problem remains timely and relevant as only few have shed light into the difficulties and challenges in word problem solving brought about by vocabulary and identification of information. This research intends to identify the areas of difficulties and challenges experienced by students and teachers in the senior high department in a top university in the Philippines, the University of the Cordilleras, which has a wide array of quality programs in the said department. Results obtained in this research may be used not only by students and teachers but also by authors, parents, aspiring teachers, aspiring school owners, or anyone who aspires for their personal development in Mathematics.

Keywords

word problems solvingMathematicssenior high Philippines

References

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Angateeah, K.S. (2017). An investigation of students’ difficulties in solving non-routine word problems at lower secondary. International Journal of Learning and Teaching, 3(1).Google Scholar ↗
Boonen, A.J.H. et al. (2016). Word problem solving in contemporary math education: a plea for reading comprehension skills training. Frontiers in Psychology, 7.Google Scholar ↗
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Cruz, M.V. & Bullecer, M.F. (2016). Dual language fluency and math word problem performance of selected students. The Bedan Journal of Psychology 2016, 1.Google Scholar ↗
Dela Cruz, J.K.B. & Lapinid, M.R.C. (2014). Students’ difficulties in translating worded problems into mathematical symbols. Presented at the DLSU Research Congress 2014.Google Scholar ↗
DepEd K to 12 Curriculum Guide in Mathematics, s. 2012.Google Scholar ↗
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Edwards, S.A., Maloy, R.W., & Anderson, G. (2009). Reading coaching for math word problems. Literacy Coaching Clearinghouse.Google Scholar ↗
Fatmanissa, N. & Kusnandi (2017). The linguistic challenges of mathematics word problems: a research and literature review. Malaysian Journal of Learning and Instruction (MJLI), Special Issue on Graduate Students Research on Education, 73-92.Google Scholar ↗
Hite, S. (2009). Improving problem solving by improving reading skills. Summative Projects for MA Degree, 9.Google Scholar ↗
Imam, O.A., Abas-Mastura, M., & Jamil, H. (2013). Correlation between reading comprehension skills and students’ performance in mathematics. International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education, 2(1), 1-8.Google Scholar ↗
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Ketterlin-Geller, L.R., Chard, D.J., & Fien, H. (2008). Making connections in mathematics conceptual mathematics intervention for low-performing students. Remedial and Special Education, 29(1), 33-45.Google Scholar ↗
Langenes, J. (2011). Methods to improve student ability in solving math word problems. Hamline University, St. Paul, MN.Google Scholar ↗
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Polya, G. (1973). How to solve it: a new aspect of mathematical method. Princeton, New Jersey: Princeton University Press.Google Scholar ↗
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Seifi, M., Haghverdi, M., & Azizmohamadi, F. (2012). Recognition of students’ difficulties in solving mathematical word problems from the viewpoint of teachers. Journal of Basic and Applied Research, 2(3), 2923-2928.Google Scholar ↗
Sepeng, P. & Madzorera, A. (2014). Sources of difficulty in comprehending and solving mathematical word problems. Int J Edu Sci, 6(2), 217-225.Google Scholar ↗
Sepeng, P. & Webb, P. (2012). Exploring mathematical discussion in word problem-solving. Pythagoras, 33(1), 1-8.Google Scholar ↗
Sieberer-Nagler, K. et al. (2016). Effective classroom-management & positive thinking. English Language Teaching, 9(1), 163-172.Google Scholar ↗
Suan, J.S. (2014). Factors affecting underachievement in mathematics. Proceeding of the Global Summit on Education GSE 2014.Google Scholar ↗
Sutherland, K. S. et al. (2008). Examining the influence of teacher behaviour and classroom context on the behavioural and academic outcomes for students with emotional or behavioural disorders. Journal of Special Education, 41(4), 223-233.Google Scholar ↗
Tambychik, T. & Meerah, T.S.M. (2010). Students’ difficulties in mathematics problem-solving: what do they say? Procedia Social Science and Behavioral Sciences, 8, 142-151.Google Scholar ↗
Trance, N.J.C. (2013). Process inquiry: analysis of oral problem-solving skills in mathematics of engineering students. US-China Educational Review A, 3(2), 73-82.Google Scholar ↗
Vilenius-Tuohimaa, P.M., Aunola, K., & Nurmi, J.E. (2008). The association between word problems and reading comprehension. Educational Psychology, 28(4), 409-426.Google Scholar ↗
Vula, E. & Kurshumlia, R. (2015). Mathematics word problem solving through collaborative action research. Journal of Teacher Action Research.Google Scholar ↗
Yusoff, W.M.W. & Seman, S.C. (2018). Teachers’ knowledge of higher order thinking and questioning skills: a case study at a primary school in Terengganu, Malaysia. International Journal of Academic Research in Progressive Education and Development, 7(2), 45-63.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-1] Akbaşli, S., Şahin, M., & Yaykiran, Z. (2016). The effect of reading comprehension on the performance in science and mathematics. Journal of Education and Practice.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-2] Angateeah, K.S. (2017). An investigation of students’ difficulties in solving non-routine word problems at lower secondary. International Journal of Learning and Teaching, 3(1).Google Scholar ↗

[refR-3] Boonen, A.J.H. et al. (2016). Word problem solving in contemporary math education: a plea for reading comprehension skills training. Frontiers in Psychology, 7.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-4] Cimmiyotti, C.B. (2013). Impact of reading ability on academic performance at the primary level. Master’s Theses and Capstone Projects, 127.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-5] Cruz, M.V. & Bullecer, M.F. (2016). Dual language fluency and math word problem performance of selected students. The Bedan Journal of Psychology 2016, 1.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-6] Dela Cruz, J.K.B. & Lapinid, M.R.C. (2014). Students’ difficulties in translating worded problems into mathematical symbols. Presented at the DLSU Research Congress 2014.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-7] DepEd K to 12 Curriculum Guide in Mathematics, s. 2012.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-8] DepEd National Training of Trainers on K to 10: Mathematics 8, s. 2018.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-9] Eby, M. (2016). Integrating reading into mathematics instruction. University Honors Program Theses, 182.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-10] Edwards, S.A., Maloy, R.W., & Anderson, G. (2009). Reading coaching for math word problems. Literacy Coaching Clearinghouse.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-11] Fatmanissa, N. & Kusnandi (2017). The linguistic challenges of mathematics word problems: a research and literature review. Malaysian Journal of Learning and Instruction (MJLI), Special Issue on Graduate Students Research on Education, 73-92.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-12] Hite, S. (2009). Improving problem solving by improving reading skills. Summative Projects for MA Degree, 9.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-13] Imam, O.A., Abas-Mastura, M., & Jamil, H. (2013). Correlation between reading comprehension skills and students’ performance in mathematics. International Journal of Evaluation and Research in Education, 2(1), 1-8.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-14] Jazuli, A. et al. (2017). Improving conceptual understanding and problem-solving in mathematics through a contextual learning strategy. Global Journal of Engineering Education, 19(1), 49-53.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-15] Jupri, A. & Drijvers, P. (2016). Student difficulties in mathematizing word problems in algebra. Eurasia Journal of Mathematics, Science & Technology Education, 12(9), 2481-2502.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-16] Ketterlin-Geller, L.R., Chard, D.J., & Fien, H. (2008). Making connections in mathematics conceptual mathematics intervention for low-performing students. Remedial and Special Education, 29(1), 33-45.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-17] Langenes, J. (2011). Methods to improve student ability in solving math word problems. Hamline University, St. Paul, MN.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-18] Laurito, P.P., Duallo, N.M., & Pecajas, E.S. (2016). Correlation of comprehension skills and mathematical ability in geometry of the students of naval school of fisheries. International Journal of Engineering Sciences & Research Technology.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-19] Nguyen, P.L. & Ngo, T.P. (2015). Opinions on mathematics word problems in primary schools: a survey of teachers and students in the city “Bac Lieu” – Vietnam. European Academic Research, 2(11).Google Scholar ↗

[refR-20] Njagi, M.W. (2015). Language issues on mathematics achievement. International Journal of Education and Research, 3(6).Google Scholar ↗

[refR-21] Ogena, E.B., Laña, R.D., & Sasota, R.S. (2010). Performance of Philippine High Schools with Special Science Curriculum in the 2008 Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study (TIMSS-Advanced).Google Scholar ↗

[refR-22] Özsoy, G., Kuruyer, H.G, & Çakiroglu, A. (2015). Evaluation of students’ mathematical problem solving skills in relation to their levels. International Electronic Journal of Elementary Education, 8(1), 113-132.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-23] Parsonson, B.S. (2012). Evidenced-based classroom behaviour management. Kairaranga 2012, 13(1).Google Scholar ↗

[refR-24] Pearce, D.L. et al. (2013). What teachers say about student difficulties solving mathematical word problems in grades 2-5. International Electronic Journal of Mathematics Education, 8(1).Google Scholar ↗

[refR-25] Phonapichat, P., Wongwanich, S. & Sujiva, S. (2014). An analysis of elementary school students’ difficulties in mathematical problem solving. Procedia – Social and Behavioral Sciences, 116, 3169-3174.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-26] Polya, G. (1973). How to solve it: a new aspect of mathematical method. Princeton, New Jersey: Princeton University Press.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-27] Raduan, I.H. (2010). Error analysis and the corresponding cognitive activities committed by year five primary students in solving mathematical word problems. Procedia Social and Behavioral Sciences, 2, 3836-3838.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-28] Salemeh, Z. & Etchells, M.J. (2016). A case study: sources of difficulties in solving word problems in an international private school. Electronic International Journal of Education, Arts, and Science 2016, 2, 149-163.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-29] Seifi, M., Haghverdi, M., & Azizmohamadi, F. (2012). Recognition of students’ difficulties in solving mathematical word problems from the viewpoint of teachers. Journal of Basic and Applied Research, 2(3), 2923-2928.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-30] Sepeng, P. & Madzorera, A. (2014). Sources of difficulty in comprehending and solving mathematical word problems. Int J Edu Sci, 6(2), 217-225.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-31] Sepeng, P. & Webb, P. (2012). Exploring mathematical discussion in word problem-solving. Pythagoras, 33(1), 1-8.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-32] Sieberer-Nagler, K. et al. (2016). Effective classroom-management & positive thinking. English Language Teaching, 9(1), 163-172.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-33] Suan, J.S. (2014). Factors affecting underachievement in mathematics. Proceeding of the Global Summit on Education GSE 2014.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-34] Sutherland, K. S. et al. (2008). Examining the influence of teacher behaviour and classroom context on the behavioural and academic outcomes for students with emotional or behavioural disorders. Journal of Special Education, 41(4), 223-233.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-35] Tambychik, T. & Meerah, T.S.M. (2010). Students’ difficulties in mathematics problem-solving: what do they say? Procedia Social Science and Behavioral Sciences, 8, 142-151.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-36] Trance, N.J.C. (2013). Process inquiry: analysis of oral problem-solving skills in mathematics of engineering students. US-China Educational Review A, 3(2), 73-82.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-37] Vilenius-Tuohimaa, P.M., Aunola, K., & Nurmi, J.E. (2008). The association between word problems and reading comprehension. Educational Psychology, 28(4), 409-426.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-38] Vula, E. & Kurshumlia, R. (2015). Mathematics word problem solving through collaborative action research. Journal of Teacher Action Research.Google Scholar ↗

[refR-39] Yusoff, W.M.W. & Seman, S.C. (2018). Teachers’ knowledge of higher order thinking and questioning skills: a case study at a primary school in Terengganu, Malaysia. International Journal of Academic Research in Progressive Education and Development, 7(2), 45-63.Google Scholar ↗