Effectiveness of the Summer Arithmetic Enhancement Initiative: A Pretest-Posttest Study Among Grade 7–10 Students

Abstract

Mathematical competence in the four fundamental operations addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division is vital for students’ academic achievement and their ability to solve real-life problems. However, many junior high school learners continue to struggle with these basic skills, particularly those transitioning from elementary to secondary education. To address this learning gap, the Summer Arithmetic Enhancement Initiative was implemented to strengthen computational fluency and build learners’ confidence before the new school year begins.

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the Summer Arithmetic Enhancement Initiative in improving the arithmetic proficiency of selected Grade 7 to Grade 10 students. Specifically, it sought to determine the students’ proficiency levels before and after the intervention and identify which arithmetic operations remained most challenging.

A pre-experimental pretest-posttest design was utilized, involving 34 students from Marcial B. Villanueva National High School who were identified as needing remediation. A researcher-made 20-item test was used to measure proficiency in whole-number operations. The intervention consisted of daily arithmetic drills, flashcard exercises, and structured math routines. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, and t-test to determine significant improvements in performance.

Pretest results revealed that 28 out of 34 students were classified as least knowledgeable, showing widespread gaps in basic arithmetic skills. After the intervention, 21 students reached the knowledgeable level, while the least knowledgeable group decreased to seven. Statistical analysis indicated a significant improvement in posttest scores, confirming the program’s effectiveness. Although all operations improved, multiplication and division remained the most challenging areas.

The findings demonstrate that the Summer Arithmetic Enhancement Initiative effectively enhanced students’ arithmetic proficiency and confidence. Sustained, focused, and differentiated remediation is recommended, especially for higher-level operations, to ensure long-term mastery and promote stronger numeracy among Filipino learners.