An Evaluation Survey of Effectiveness and Suitability of Word Problems: A Literacy–Numeracy Tool
Mechell Velasco | Edna Curayag
Discipline: Education
Abstract:
This study evaluated the perceived effectiveness and suitability of word problems as a tool for enhancing literacy and
numeracy among elementary pupils in District VII of Malaybalay City Division during SY 2023–2024. Using a
descriptive–correlational design and complete enumeration of 109 public elementary mathematics teachers, the
research employed a researcher-made questionnaire validated by experts and tested for reliability. Data were analyzed
through descriptive statistics and Pearson's r correlation. Findings showed that teachers rated word problems as
generally effective (M = 4.01) and suitable (M = 3.98) for assessing both skills. No statistically significant
relationships were found between respondents' demographic characteristics (age, sex, educational attainment, position,
and length of service) and their perceptions of effectiveness. The results affirm the pedagogical value of integrating
word problems to address literacy–numeracy competencies and recommend further qualitative studies to explore
instructional improvements.
References:
- Adamos, J. (2020). Schema-based instruction in mathematical problem solving: Effects on performance and strategy use. International Journal of Instruction, 13(1), 85–102. https://doi.org/10.29333/iji.2020.1316a
- Black, P., & Wiliam, D. (1998). Assessment and classroom learning. Assessment in Education: Principles, Policy & Practice, 5(1), 7–74. https://doi.org/10.1080/0969595980050102
- Boonen, A. J. H., van der Schoot, M., van Wesel, F., de Vries, M. H., & Jolles, J. (2013). What underlies successful word problem solving? A path analysis in sixth grade students. Contemporary Educational Psychology, 38(3), 271–279. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cedpsych.2013.05.001
- Cansiz, M., & Cansiz, N. (2022). Real-life mathematical problems: Effects on students’ critical thinking and problem-solving skills. International Journal of Education in Mathematics, Science and Technology, 10(2), 301–315. https://doi.org/10.46328/ijemst.2321
- De Corte, E., Verschaffel, L., & De Win, L. (1985). Influence of rewording verbal problems on children’s problem representations and solutions. Journal of Educational Psychology, 77(4), 460–470. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-0663.77.4.460
- Department of Education [DepEd]. (2020). Philippine Informal Reading Inventory (Phil-IRI): National report 2019–2020. Department of Education. https://www.deped.gov.ph/phil-iri
- Elia, I., van den Heuvel-Panhuizen, M., & Kolovou, A. (2009). Exploring strategy use and strategy flexibility in non-routine problem solving by primary school high achievers in mathematics. ZDM Mathematics Education, 41, 605–618. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11858-009-0184-6
- Hattie, J., & Timperley, H. (2007). The power of feedback. Review of Educational Research, 77(1), 81–112. https://doi.org/10.3102/003465430298487
- Hegarty, M., Mayer, R. E., & Monk, C. A. (1995). Comprehension of arithmetic word problems: A comparison of successful and unsuccessful problem solvers. Journal of Educational Psychology, 87(1), 18–32. https://doi.org/10.1037/0022-0663.87.1.18
- Jones, R., & Williams, D. (2019). Integrating literacy and numeracy: Foundations for lifelong learning. Journal of Education and Practice, 10(5), 45–52. https://doi.org/10.7176/JEP/10-5-07
- Kintsch, W. (1998). Comprehension: A paradigm for cognition. Cambridge University Press. https://doi.org/10.1017/CBO9781139174619
- Li, Y., Wang, J., & Chen, X. (2023). Enhancing numeracy through contextualized word problems: Evidence from elementary mathematics classrooms. Educational Studies in Mathematics, 112(3), 489–506. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10649-022-10172-8
- Panhuizen, M. van den. (2003). The didactical use of models in realistic mathematics education: An example from a longitudinal trajectory on percentage. Educational Studies in Mathematics, 54(1), 9–35. https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1023687823218
- Planas, N., & Straesser, R. (2004). Linguistic and cultural diversity in mathematics education: A new challenge for research. European Research in Mathematics Education, 4(1), 1–13.
- Roberts, P. (2007). A guide to quantitative and qualitative research. Nursing Standard, 21(35), 44–48. https://doi.org/10.7748/ns2007.05.21.35.44.c4550
- Verschaffel, L., Greer, B., & De Corte, E. (2000). Making sense of word problems. Swets & Zeitlinger.
- Weekers, A. M., Groenen, I., & Kleemans, T. (2011). Effects of context characteristics on mathematical problem solving in primary school. Educational Studies in Mathematics, 76(1), 95–104. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10649-010-9265-8.
- Zhang, L., & Huang, Y. (2024). Technology-enhanced word problem instruction: Impacts on engagement and mathematics anxiety in primary learners. Computers & Education, 206, 104879. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.compedu.2023.104879