Enhancing Fundamental Operational Skills of Grade 4 Learners in Mathematics

Abstract

This study determined the effectiveness of utilizing comic-based learning activity sheets in enhancing the fundamental operational skills of Grade 4 learners in Mathematics. It focused on the learners’ pre-test performance, least learned competencies, development and evaluation of comic-based learning activity sheets, and the difference in expert evaluations of the material. A quantitative one-group pretest design with descriptive evaluation was used. The respondents were 50 Grade 4 learners from selected elementary schools in District 5, Division of Pangasinan II, and eight evaluators composed of six Mathematics teachers, one school administrator, and one Public School District Supervisor. Data were gathered through a 13-item Mathematics pre-test and an expert evaluation checklist based on content, format, illustrations, design and layout, paper and binding, and presentation and organization. Findings showed that the learners’ pre-test performance was low proficient. The least learned competencies were multiplication and division of 2- to 4-digit numbers, particularly multiplying 3- to 4-digit numbers by 1-digit numbers, multiplying 2- to 3-digit numbers by 2-digit numbers, and dividing 3- to 4-digit and 2- to 3-digit numbers. The comic-based learning activity sheets developed to address these competencies were rated highly satisfactory by the evaluators, with a grand mean of 4.92. The F-test result showed no significant difference among the evaluations of teachers, the school administrator, and the Public School District Supervisor. The study concludes that comic-based learning activity sheets may be used as supplementary teaching materials to support Grade 4 learners in developing fundamental operational skills in Mathematics.