The Missing Piece

Rowena D. Pangilinan

Learning Mathematics does not only revolve in basic operations such as addition, subtraction, multiplication, or division. It is not only just about finding the square root and cube root. It is not only getting the length, the width, height, or getting the value of an N or an X. Indeed, these are foundations. Nevertheless, Mathematics is more than getting the value. It is an application of problems which needs to be solved. Hence, it is always connected to solving actual problems. Thus, there are word problems in Mathematics. It prepares students to solve actual problems in the future. Masullo (2017) stated that problem-solving is not only one of the most important components of the study of mathematics; it permeates all aspects of life, including the professional world.

However, one of the problems of students are having a hard time solving word problems. According to Garderen (2006), deficiency in visual-spatial skill might cause difficulty in differentiating, relating and organizing information. Students who lacked in ability to meaningful visualize mathematics problems and concepts could cause difficulties in solving the problem (Tarzimah 2005).

What causes this problem?

Primary, the root cause of this is the lack of fundamental knowledge about the problem. There goes this saying that you cannot give what you do not have. If students do not know the fundamentals of Mathematics, there is a possibility that students will not be able to answer the word problems. They must have the understanding of the four fundamental operations in order to solve problems. It will be the foundation in solving more complicated problems.

Another, the article on Problem Solving in Mathematics: A Tool for Cognitive Development from the University of New York, states that problem solving is, “the process wherein students encounter a problem a question for which they have no immediately apparent resolution, nor an algorithm that they can directly apply to get an answer. Mathematics is more than just a math skill. It also requires language comprehension. Having both skills can be result to analytical thinking. Analytical thinking is the use of complex ideas through observation. Some students hardly understand the problem. However, there are students who lack this kind of skill. Since they cannot comprehend, they are having a hard time analyzing the problem. Which marks to failure.

Finally, students’ attitude. Bandong (2000) of the University of the Philippines Baguio, stated that as long as a student is patient and sets his mind into it, he can learn everything. It is not denied that most of the students today are having little patience in a certain activity. Nonetheless, Students must look on the positive side and the brighter of the situation. Having the patience and determination is one of the missing piece in successfully solving problems.

Mathematics is an important skill in life. It is an application of facts in actual situations. If students cannot solve simple word problems, how can they solve actual problems in the future? E.T Bell said that “obvious” is the most dangerous word in mathematics. All you need is to understand.

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The author is Master Teacher I at Dau Elementary School