Abstract:
To study various patterns of arithmetic problems regarding the addition, subtraction, multip¬lication and division which appeared to be difficult for Prathom Suksa Four students. In addition, an attempt had been made to formulate arithmetic problems in order to train students on develop¬ing skill, reasoning and strengthening the understanding of the problems more effectively. The author had formulated and applied 66 arithmetic problems, with the degree of reliability of 0.93. The population involved in this operation was 690 Prathom Suksa Four boy and girl students studying in the third term of the academic .year 1973 at the municipality schools in Prathumwan area. These students were divided into 3 sample-groups of which, the number of students in each group were 120,200 and 370 respectively. After the formulated problems had been applied to students in group one, the results obtained were analyzed for the level of difficulties and the power of discrimination on each item used for further improvement. The improved problems were than applied to students in group two, and the whole procedure previously mentioned was repeated for students in group three in a continuous manner. The degree of reliability finally obtained was 0.93 which was considered to be rather high. It was concluded that, 18 patterns of arithmetic problems-difficult for Prathom Suksa Four students have been recognized. The formulated problems on arithmetic were therefore considered to be the most important step in training students to develop skill and in helping on proper interpretation of wording used in the problems for both teachers and students. The suggestion had also been made to the teachers concerned that methods of problem solving should not be given directly to students. To teach the students to really understand the problems, to be considerate in reasoning according to the fact were suggested as an alternatives. The students should try to take more practice on various types of problems particularly those appear to be difficult in order to increa.se the ability in solving problem.