ENHANCING NUMERACY SKILLS THROUGH COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT: THE IMPLEMENTATION AND IMPACT OF PROJECT GILAS AT SAN NICOLAS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL
Keywords:
Intervention, Numerates, Non-numerates, Effectiveness, Community PartnershipAbstract
Numeracy is fundamental to academic achievement, problem-solving, and everyday decision-making, yet many learners, particularly in underserved communities, continue to struggle with basic mathematical concepts. Objective. This action research examined the implementation and impact of Project GILAS (Gearing Up Intervention to Learners’ Abilities and Skills), a structured numeracy intervention designed to strengthen the numeracy skills of learners at San Nicolas Elementary School, City Schools Division of Dasmariñas, Cluster VIII. The intervention was developed through a community partnership with Barangay San Nicolas I and Luzviminda II, reflecting the project’s focus on fostering both academic and community support. The participants were 109 non-numerate pupils from Grades IV to VI who were experiencing difficulties in Mathematics. Pupils took a pretest, attended the Project GILAS numeracy intervention classes, and then took a posttest. The effectiveness of the intervention was analyzed using the paired t-test function of the Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS). Mean scores increased from 1.33 (SD = 2.07) at pretest to 3.89 (SD = 0.99) at posttest, a statistically significant improvement (p < .001), indicating significant gains in the pupils’ mathematical abilities. Project GILAS was effective in improving the numeracy skills of the participating learners, and the collaboration between the school and local communities contributed to its success. The study offers recommendations for educators on effective numeracy interventions that can enhance students’ performance in mathematics, and guidance for future researchers and school administrators on implementing similar programs successfully. By leveraging community partnerships and targeted interventions, it demonstrates how collaboration between schools and local communities can create a meaningful impact on students’ academic success, especially in addressing numeracy challenges.
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