Mathematical Abilities of Freshman Students: Basis in the Development of an Enrichment Material

AUTHOR(S)

Graciane Joy D. De Guzman, LPT

ABSTRACT

The study determined the mathematical ability of the freshman students who were product of the K12 Curriculum to have a basis in the development of an enrichment material. This study sought to answer the following problems: the respondents’ profile, their mathematical abilities in the diagnostic test implemented, and significant difference in the mathematical abilities of the students across their profile variables.
This study used a descriptive-developmental research method in the development and validation of the diagnostic test on selected topics in General Mathematics and Basic Statistics and Probability. The main data gathering instrument used in this study includes a questionnaire checklist and a diagnostic test.
It was found out that the overall mean score of the freshman students on the diagnostic test in terms of the mathematic topics covered is 23.46 with a standard deviation of 5.84. Also, out of the 50-items diagnostic test, students got 60.15% correct answer which is greater than half of the total number of items. Therefore, students have the conceptual understanding on the mathematics topics but does not perform well in procedural knowledge which affects their problem-solving ability.
In the light of the findings and conclusions, it is recommended to have intense and advanced enhancement on the problem-solving skills of the students especially in work problem must be implemented through giving problem sets and exercises by giving more emphasis on their process of solving. Therefore, there is a need for an Enrichment material on the basic mathematics and problem-solving.