Mathematical Proficiency and Achievement of Grade Six Pupils

This study was conducted to describe the mathematical proficiency of grade six pupils of Balibago Elementary School in terms of five strands, namely, conceptual understanding, procedural fluency, strategic competence, adaptive reasoning, and productive disposition and its relationship to their achievement in Mathematics. The participants of this study were 286 grade six pupils. The descriptive correlational method was used in this study. A mathematical proficiency test consisting of 210 items, 42 items per strand, was used as instrument to determine the proficiency level of the pupils based on the five strands. The findings reveal that in terms of mathematical proficiency, the pupils have low proficiency level in all the five strands. In terms of mathematics achievement, majority of them are approaching proficiency. However, there is a significant relationship between each of the five strands of mathematical proficiency and mathematics achievement. Moreover, regression analysis revealed that conceptual understanding and procedural fluency are significant predictors of achievement in Mathematics. The higher or lower the conceptual understanding and procedural fluency, the higher or lower the pupils' achievement in Mathematics. From the result of the study it is inferred that different learning techniques and abilities must be given a closer look in the learning process to enhance pupils' mathematical proficiency and mathematics achievement. Teachers should use teaching strategies and varied learning activities that will motivate pupils to learn. They should find ways to actively engage students in mathematical tasks to upgrade their proficiency level. Further studies may also be conducted to pinpoint factors that affect the mathematical proficiency and achievement of pupils in basic education.