Republic of the Philippines

Department of Education
REGION IV-A CALABARZON
SCHOOLS DIVISION OF BATANGAS
AS- IS INTEGRATED SCHOOL
AS-IS, BAUAN, BATANGAS

PEER TUTORING: AN APPROACH IN ENHANCING NUMERACY SKILLS

IN MATHEMATICS OF GRADE 10 LEARNERS AT
AS-IS INTEGRATED SCHOOL

An Action Research

Presented to the

District Research Committee

By

RHODORA B. AGATON

EDEN D. PEÑALOSA

OCTOBER 2023

Address: Asis, Bauan, Batangas

(043) 417-7227 / 09778043828
[email protected]
 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
REGION IV-A CALABARZON
SCHOOLS DIVISION OF BATANGAS
AS- IS INTEGRATED SCHOOL
AS-IS, BAUAN, BATANGAS

I. Title: Peer Tutoring: An Approach in Enhancing Numeracy Skills in Mathematics

of Grade 10 Learners at As-Is Integrated School

II. Abstract

This study entitled Peer Tutoring: An Approach in Enhacing the

Numeracy Skills of Grade 10 Learners at As-is Integrated School, has been

initiated to determine the effectiveness of peer tutoring in mathematics to enhance

the numeracy skills of Grade 10 learners. It also discussed the learning

performance of the learners as a result of numeracy assessment. The

participants of the study were fifty-eight Grade 10 learners consisting of 31

male and 27 female of As-is Integrated School during the first quarter of the

academic year 2022-2023. Furthermore, the study proposed improved activities

on how to use peer tutoring among the next Grade 10 learners for the succeeding

school years.

The researcher analyzed and employed the effectiveness of peer

tutoring as an approach to encourage . The results revealed that the mean

post-test score in topics such as arithmetic and geometric sequences and

division of polynomials was higher than the pre-test score, signifying that the

use of peer tutoring in teaching-learning process caused an increase in

numeracy skills and academic performance of the students.

Address: Asis, Bauan, Batangas

(043) 417-7227 / 09778043828
[email protected]
 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
REGION IV-A CALABARZON
SCHOOLS DIVISION OF BATANGAS
AS- IS INTEGRATED SCHOOL
AS-IS, BAUAN, BATANGAS

III. Acknowledgement

The researcher wishes to express sincerely her profound appreciation and

heartfelt gratitude to the following individuals who gave valuable assistance and

fruitful ideas to make the completion of this action research possible. To Dr. Dionisio

D. Cruzat, the Principal III of As-is Integrated School, for the unwavering support to

finish this study and the encouragement to always uphold excellence and passion

in all endeavours; to the validators, for sharing their expertise, for giving time and

effort in reviewing and checking the research; to the respondents of this study, for

giving time and patience throughout the study and for having full participation in

answering the questions in the assessment. Their willingness to participate is an

indication that teaching and learning is really a collaborative effort of all concerned

in the school community. Finally, to God Almighty, the Life-Giver, for giving the

researcher guidance, strength, knowledge, and ability to undertake this research

study. Without His guidance and mercy, the researcher would not be able to

accomplish this research

Address: Asis, Bauan, Batangas

(043) 417-7227 / 09778043828
[email protected]
 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
REGION IV-A CALABARZON
SCHOOLS DIVISION OF BATANGAS
AS- IS INTEGRATED SCHOOL
AS-IS, BAUAN, BATANGAS

VI. Context and Rationale

Mathematics is utilized to make better choices and come up with best

decisions in everyday life. Math and numeracy skills, according to research and

practice, will help adolescents become more confident and competent learners as

they navigate the increasingly complicated global community of the 21st century.

Mathematics is every so often contemplated to be one of the most challenging

subjects for students. Recent surveys show that 37% of teens aged 13-17 found

math to be harder than other subjects – the highest ranked overall.

Numeracy refers to the knowledge, abilities, behaviors, and dispositions required

by pupils to use mathematics in a variety of contexts. It entails recognizing and

comprehending mathematics’ function in the world, as well as possessing the

attitudes and capacities to utilize mathematical knowledge and skills purposefully.

(Education Victoria, 2022). Only 10 percent of students in the Philippines met the

minimum reading standard and 17 percent met the minimum mathematical standard

expected at the end of primary education, based on outcomes of the Southeast Asia

Primary Learning Metrics 2019 (SEA-PLM). This alarms the education system in

the Philippines which calls for access to quality basic education for all children,

including some 30 million learners.

Numeracy skills are a critical component of a high school student's

education, as they provide the foundation for success in various academic and real-

life situations. These skills encompass the ability to understand, interpret, and

Address: Asis, Bauan, Batangas

(043) 417-7227 / 09778043828
[email protected]
 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
REGION IV-A CALABARZON
SCHOOLS DIVISION OF BATANGAS
AS- IS INTEGRATED SCHOOL
AS-IS, BAUAN, BATANGAS

manipulate numbers and mathematical concepts. They are not only important for

success in math classes but also for making informed decisions, solving everyday

problems, and pursuing a wide range of careers. High school students should focus

on developing strong numeracy skills for several reasons.

First and foremost, numeracy skills are essential for academic success. High

school mathematics courses build upon one another, and a solid understanding of

foundational numeracy concepts is crucial for tackling more advanced topics such

as algebra, calculus, and statistics. Students who excel in numeracy can perform

better in standardized tests, which can open doors to higher education and

scholarships.

Beyond the classroom, numeracy skills are vital in everyday life. High school

students need these skills to manage personal finances, make budgeting decisions,

and understand concepts like interest rates, loans, and mortgages. Moreover,

numeracy is crucial for interpreting data and making informed decisions, whether

it's assessing the validity of information presented in the media, evaluating scientific

research, or understanding the implications of statistics in various fields.

In addition, numeracy skills foster critical thinking and problem-solving abilities. High

school students who develop these skills can approach complex issues logically

and methodically. They learn to break down problems into manageable

components, analyze data, and find practical solutions. This ability is not only

Address: Asis, Bauan, Batangas

(043) 417-7227 / 09778043828
[email protected]
 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
REGION IV-A CALABARZON
SCHOOLS DIVISION OF BATANGAS
AS- IS INTEGRATED SCHOOL
AS-IS, BAUAN, BATANGAS

beneficial for math-related challenges but is also transferable to other areas of life,

including decision-making and critical analysis of various situations.

Over the past six years, the Philippines has been grappling with significant

learning gaps in its education system, stretching from 2015 to the present day. The

COVID-19 pandemic, which hit globally in 2020, build up these gaps and brought

about new challenges. Prior to the pandemic, issues such as unequal access to

quality education, a shortage of qualified teachers, and disparities in educational

resources had already created disparities in learning outcomes. However, the

forced shift to distance and online learning during the pandemic revealed even more

profound disparities, as many students lacked access to the necessary technology

and internet connectivity. As a result, learning losses in literacy, numeracy, and

other fundamental skills have widened during this period, creating an urgent need

for comprehensive educational reform to bridge these learning gaps and ensure a

more equitable and inclusive education system.

Being proficient in mathematics is a required learning outcome for education,

and the Department of Education is facing increasing difficulties in this area. The

Department of Education (DepEd) placed a high priority on improving numeracy

programs and incorporating peace competences into the K–12 curricula in order to

develop citizens who are engaged, responsible, and job-ready.

According to Deped Order No. 013, series 2023, entitled Adoption of National

Learning Recorvery Program in the Department of Education, the Basic Education

Address: Asis, Bauan, Batangas

(043) 417-7227 / 09778043828
[email protected]
 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
REGION IV-A CALABARZON
SCHOOLS DIVISION OF BATANGAS
AS- IS INTEGRATED SCHOOL
AS-IS, BAUAN, BATANGAS

Development Plan (BEDP) 2023 issued through DO 024, s. 2022 (Adoption of the

Basic Education Development Plan 2023, set the recovery efforts in motion. This

shall principally address the learning gaps. There are five subprograms under it

such as the National Learning Camp(NLC), which supports the high-need learners

who are yet to find the grasp Foundational Mathematics; and the National

Mathematics Program that aims to improve the numeracy and mathematics

competencies of students across all grade levels.

As part of the MATATAG: Bansang Makabata, Batang Makabansa plan, the

Department of Education would revive its reading, science and technology, and

math programs, according to Secretary of Education Sara Z. Duterte.

In the Philippines, math education has long been a focal point for improvement due

to the challenges many students face in this subject. As math is a fundamental skill

that opens doors to various opportunities, it is imperative to find innovative ways to

enhance math learning. One such approach gaining recognition for its effectiveness

is peer tutoring. According to the Programme for International Student Assessment

(PISA) in 2018, the Philippines ranked among the lowest in math proficiency among

79 countries and economies, emphasizing the need for reform and intervention.

These statistics highlight the urgency of addressing math education to bridge the

gap between struggling and proficient students.

To bridge the gap between struggling and proficient students, many studies

suggest peer tutoring as a solution. Peer tutoring may be defined as a cooperative

Address: Asis, Bauan, Batangas

(043) 417-7227 / 09778043828
[email protected]
 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
REGION IV-A CALABARZON
SCHOOLS DIVISION OF BATANGAS
AS- IS INTEGRATED SCHOOL
AS-IS, BAUAN, BATANGAS

and active learning strategy in which students help each other in dyads, while

learning at the same time (Alegre Ansuategui and Moliner Miravet, 2017). The

importance of peer tutoring in math education in the Philippines is undeniable. It

offers an innovative approach to address the challenges students face and improve

their math proficiency. Schools and educational institutions should actively

encourage and support peer tutoring programs, as they have the potential to bridge

the gap in math proficiency and elevate the overall education standards in the

country.

A learning strategy in which students collaborate with one another to boost

their academic performance is referred to as peer tutoring. Numerous advantages

have been discovered with this strategy. It enables students to improve their

communication abilities through knowledge sharing with peers. As students analyze

and explain concepts to their peers, it improves critical thinking skills. Students gain

a sense of accomplishment from assisting their peers, which boosts their self-

esteem and confidence. Likewise, peer tutoring can likewise prompt a more certain

homeroom climate. It can help students become more motivated and involved in the

learning process by fostering positive relationships with their peers.

In line with these, this study was conceptualized. This aimed to gain in-depth

insight and a better understanding of the use of peer tutoring in mathematics. The

Address: Asis, Bauan, Batangas

(043) 417-7227 / 09778043828
[email protected]
 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
REGION IV-A CALABARZON
SCHOOLS DIVISION OF BATANGAS
AS- IS INTEGRATED SCHOOL
AS-IS, BAUAN, BATANGAS

purpose was to enhance the numeracy skills of Grade 10 learners in As-is

Integrated School.

V. Innovation, Intervention and Strategy

This study proposes the implemetation of peer tutoring in mathematics to

Grade 10 learners for the first quarter of the school year 2023-2024. It aims to

enhance the numeracy skills of the Grade 10 learners specifically in the following

topics namely sequences particularly arithmetic and geometric sequence and

division of polynomials. This study focuses on the 58 learners composed of 31 male

and 27 female from the junior high school department of As – is Integrated School.

The assessment was done last August school year 2023. The data gathered will be

solely based on the result of the assessment of the pretest and posttest in

mathematics. This study on the utilization of peer tutoring in the teaching and

learning process will be beneficial to mostly to the learners and equally to the

mathematics teachers to lessen the anxiety in learning mathematics. This can be

As – is Integrated School’s way of adhering to the DepEd’s mission in providing

quality and accessible education for all.

VI. Action Research Questions

The study intended to enhance the academic performance of Grade 10

learners of As-is Integrated School through peer tutoring during the first

quarter of school year 2023-2024.

Address: Asis, Bauan, Batangas

(043) 417-7227 / 09778043828
[email protected]
 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
REGION IV-A CALABARZON
SCHOOLS DIVISION OF BATANGAS
AS- IS INTEGRATED SCHOOL
AS-IS, BAUAN, BATANGAS

Specifically, it pursued to answer the following questions:

1. What is the academic performance of Grade 10 learners as a result of

numeracy assessment?

2. How effective is peer tutoring in enhancing the academic performance of

Grade 10 learners in the following lessons:

2.1 arithmetic sequence;

2.2 geometric sequence;

2.3 division of polynomials?

3. To what extent is the learning support needed by the learners to enhance

their academic performance?

4. What challenges are faced by the learners in learning numeracy skills

through peer tutoring?

5. Based on the analysis, what enhancement activities may be proposed?

VII. Action Research Method

Methodology

This study includes the discussion of the method used by the

researcher to conduct the study, description of the subjects, research

procedure and the research instrument. It also has the statistical treatment of

Address: Asis, Bauan, Batangas

(043) 417-7227 / 09778043828
[email protected]
 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
REGION IV-A CALABARZON
SCHOOLS DIVISION OF BATANGAS
AS- IS INTEGRATED SCHOOL
AS-IS, BAUAN, BATANGAS

the data that would provide the results of analysis and serve as the basis of

conclusions of the research to be done.

Research Design

This study is designed as a descriptive research to determine the

effectiveness of peer tutoring in the learning process of the learners in

mathematics subject. Descriptive research in quantitative studies describes

individuals, events, or conditions as they naturally occur (Siedlecki, 2020).

As defined by McCombes (2019), descriptive research aims to

accurately and systematically describe a population, situation or

phenomenon. It can answer what, where, when and how questions, but not

why questions. A descriptive research design can use a wide variety of

research methods to investigate one or more variables.

Moreover, the researcher aims to collect the data on the learning

capacity of the learners by conducting a numeracy assessment at the start

and end of the first quarter of the school year 2023-2024 at As-is Integrated

School.

Address: Asis, Bauan, Batangas

(043) 417-7227 / 09778043828
[email protected]
 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
REGION IV-A CALABARZON
SCHOOLS DIVISION OF BATANGAS
AS- IS INTEGRATED SCHOOL
AS-IS, BAUAN, BATANGAS

Subjects of the Study

The participants of this study were the Grade 10 learners of As-is

Integrated School composed of 31 males and 27 females with a total of 50.

The researcher believed that this study would help the 58 participants to

enhance their academic performance through peer tutoring. This group of

learners was purposively selected since they are the learners handled by the

researcher. No sampling technique was used since the entire population will

be part of the study.

Data Gathering Instrument

In this study, the researcher made use of a numeracy pre-test and post-

test covering topics in the first quarter to assess the effectiveness of peer

tutoring to enhance the academic performance of the participants.

Validation of the Test.

The researcher prepared a letter of request addressed to the pool of

experts to validate the instrument. The practitioner validated and checked the

instruments to achieve reliability and correctness. The researcher combined

the comments and suggestions and presented the draft to their adviser for

approval.

Address: Asis, Bauan, Batangas

(043) 417-7227 / 09778043828
[email protected]
 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
REGION IV-A CALABARZON
SCHOOLS DIVISION OF BATANGAS
AS- IS INTEGRATED SCHOOL
AS-IS, BAUAN, BATANGAS

Administration of the Test.

The final copy of the test was given and administered to the Grade 10

learners of As-is Integrated School at the end of the first quarter of the school

year 2023-2024.

Retrieval of Test.

All gathered answers of the participants were recorded. The researcher

collected the answered test, analyzed, and interpreted. The researcher made

sure that the test were complete and relative to the number of learners who

answered the questionnaire.

Scoring of responses.

The research instrument was scored according to generally accepted

practices on research instrumentation. The study used options as a guide in

tabulating and scoring responses in the questionnaire for the participants.

The scoring in describing the effectiveness of math peer tutoring is

reflected below.

Grading Scale Learning Descriptor

90-100 Outstanding

Address: Asis, Bauan, Batangas

(043) 417-7227 / 09778043828
[email protected]
 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
REGION IV-A CALABARZON
SCHOOLS DIVISION OF BATANGAS
AS- IS INTEGRATED SCHOOL
AS-IS, BAUAN, BATANGAS

85-89 Very Satisfactory

80-84 Satisfactory

75-79 Fairly Satisfactory

Below 75 Did not meet Expectation

Data Gathering Procedure

Prior to the administration of the questionnaire, the researcher sought

permission from the administrators on the purpose of study. The researcher

explained that responses of the participants will be treated with utmost

confidentiality. The researcher also gave a formal letter to the principal asking

for the approval to start the administration of the research instrument.

Similarly, the researcher asked the permission of the parents to subject

their child as the chosen participants of the study, promising the

confidentiality of the data. Furthermore, the participants were informed and

oriented to answer the questions presented in the questionnaire with utmost

sincerity for the realization of the study.

Data Analysis Plan

The data gathered were tallied, presented in tables, and carefully

tabulated. The results were properly arranged in order to categorize in their

Address: Asis, Bauan, Batangas

(043) 417-7227 / 09778043828
[email protected]
 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
REGION IV-A CALABARZON
SCHOOLS DIVISION OF BATANGAS
AS- IS INTEGRATED SCHOOL
AS-IS, BAUAN, BATANGAS

respective tables and accordingly treated with statistical treatment to yield

reliable scores. The following statistical tools were considered.

Frequency. This was used to determine the number of occurences of

the repeating scores per time. It is the rate of recurrence of a specific event.

Percentage. This was used to describe how many parts are there out

of one hundred parts in a particular thing. In this study, the percentage of the

learners in their performance based from their frequency will be computed.

Ranking. This was used to determine which among the performance

levels of the students in the teacher-made test has the highest and lowest

frequency or percentage.

Standard Deviation. This was used to further describe the students’

test results during the pre and post test.

Address: Asis, Bauan, Batangas

(043) 417-7227 / 09778043828
[email protected]
 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
REGION IV-A CALABARZON
SCHOOLS DIVISION OF BATANGAS
AS- IS INTEGRATED SCHOOL
AS-IS, BAUAN, BATANGAS

X. References

A. Journals, Magazines and Periodicals

Igarashi, T., & Suryadarma, D. (2023). Foundational mathematics and reading

skills of Filipino students over a generation. International Journal of
Educational Development, 96, 102688.

Utha, K., Subba, B. H., Mongar, B. B., Hopwood, N., & Pressick-Kilborn, K.
(2023). Secondary school students’ perceptions and experiences of learning
science and mathematics: the case of Bhutan. Asia Pacific Journal of
Education, 43(2), 350-367.

Xu, C., Di Lonardo Burr, S., & LeFevre, J. A. (2023). The hierarchical relations
among mathematical competencies: From fundamental numeracy to complex
mathematical skills. Canadian Journal of Experimental Psychology/Revue
canadienne de psychologie expérimentale.

Purnomo, H., Sa'dijah, C., Hidayanto, E., Permadi, H., & Anwar, L. (2022).
Development of Instrument Numeracy Skills Test of Minimum Competency
Assessment (MCA) in Indonesia. International Journal of Instruction, 15(3), 635-
648.

Abdullah, A. H., & Osman, S. (2020). Effect of peer tutoring strategy on students
academic performance in a polytechnic linear algebra classroom. Jour of Adv
Research in Dynamical & Control Systems, 12(3).

Address: Asis, Bauan, Batangas

(043) 417-7227 / 09778043828
[email protected]
 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
REGION IV-A CALABARZON
SCHOOLS DIVISION OF BATANGAS
AS- IS INTEGRATED SCHOOL
AS-IS, BAUAN, BATANGAS

Leung, K. C., Marsh, H. W., & Craven, R. G. (2005). Are peer tutoring programs
effective in promoting academic achievement and self-concept in educational
settings: A meta-analytical review. In Annual Conference, Cairns.

Alegre, F., Moliner, L., Maroto, A., & Lorenzo-Valentin, G. (2020). Academic
achievement and peer tutoring in mathematics: A comparison between primary
and secondary education. Sage Open, 10(2), 2158244020929295.

Moliner, L., & Alegre, F. (2020). Effects of peer tutoring on middle school students’
mathematics self-concepts. Plos one, 15(4), e0231410.

Alegre, F., Moliner, L., Maroto, A., & Lorenzo-Valentin, G. (2019). Peer tutoring in
mathematics in primary education: A systematic review. Educational Review,
71(6), 767-791.

Moliner, L., & Alegre, F. (2020). Peer tutoring effects on students’ mathematics
anxiety: A middle school experience. Frontiers in psychology, 11, 1610.

Aguhayon, H., Tingson, R., Pentang, J., (2023). Addressing Students Learning
Gaps in Mathematics through Differentiated Instruction. International Journal of
Educational Management and Development Studies Volume 4 Issue 1 March
2023 DOI: https://doi.org/10.53378/352967

B. Electronic References

https://www.careers.manchester.ac.uk/findjobs/skills/numeracyskills/

Address: Asis, Bauan, Batangas

(043) 417-7227 / 09778043828
[email protected]
 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
REGION IV-A CALABARZON
SCHOOLS DIVISION OF BATANGAS
AS- IS INTEGRATED SCHOOL
AS-IS, BAUAN, BATANGAS

https://www.education.vic.gov.au/school/teachers/teachingresources/discipline/
maths/Pages/numeracy-for-all
learners.aspx#:~:text=Numeracy%20is%20the%20knowledge%2C%20skills,m
athematical%20knowledge%20and%20skills%20purposefully

https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.01610/full

https://www.deped.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/DO_s2023_014.pdf

Address: Asis, Bauan, Batangas

(043) 417-7227 / 09778043828
[email protected]
 Republic of the Philippines
Department of Education
REGION IV-A CALABARZON
SCHOOLS DIVISION OF BATANGAS
AS- IS INTEGRATED SCHOOL
AS-IS, BAUAN, BATANGAS

DR. DIONISIO D. CRUZAT

Principal III
As-is Integrated School
As-is, Bauan, Batangas

Sir:
Greetings of Peace!

As part of my requirements for the degree of master’s education, I am

conducting a research study entitled Peer Tutoring: An Approach in Enhancing
the Numeracy Skills Among Grade 10 Learners at As-is Integrated School for
the first quarter of the school year 2023-2024.

In connection to this, may I request your good office to allow me to administer

a set of tests among Grade 10 learners of this institution. Rest assured that the data
that to be gathered will be treated with utmost confidentiality and will be of great
importance in accomplishment of this study.

I am hoping that the request will merit your most kind and favorable action
and approval.

Sincerely yours,

RHODORA B. AGATON
The Researcher

Address: Asis, Bauan, Batangas

(043) 417-7227 / 09778043828
[email protected]