Mohd Izham

Enhancing Pupils’ Interest In The Special Remedial Class

Mohd. Izham bin Kasim

SK Haji Abdullah Sadun

Kuar Jawa, Alor Janggus, 06250 Alor Setar

017-5581165 (mobile)

04-7946790 (fax)

1. THE REFLECTION OF TEACHING AND LEARNING OF THE PAST LESSONS

In my experience of teaching the Special Remedial Class, I realized that the pupils involved were

lacking the interest to learn and carry out the activities or exercises given by the teacher. Most of

them have the attitude of laziness in giving attention towards the lesson and completing the given

tasks. They also do not show determination in trying to solve the given activities or problems. They

also have the tendency to answer the given questions or carry out the given activities carelessly

without deep thinking, in order to finish them fast.

2. FOCUS OF THE SUDY

The teacher does not have enough room to help the remedial pupils due to their lack of interest to

learn during Special Remedial Class. Their lazy attitudes in the class become an obstacle in them

rectifying their own weaknesses in learning process. Due this alarming problem, there is an urgent

need to find and introduce new and effective ways or methods in enhancing their interest towards

learning in general.

3. THE OBJECTIVES OF THE RESEARCH

General Objective

The main reason for this research is to overcome the remedial pupils’ lack of interest in completing

the tasks assigned by the teacher. It is hoped by enhancing their interest; they will be able to complete

the tasks given during Special Remedial Class.

Specific Objectives

a) The remedial pupils able to complete the exercises given by the teacher during the Special

Remedial Class.

b) The remedial pupils carry out the given tasks with more serious manner.

c) To reduce the remedial pupils’ carelessness while carrying out the given tasks.

d) To increase the teacher’s ability in overcoming the problem of the lazy pupils, importantly in

them completing the given activities and also controlling them in the class effectively.

4. TARGET GROUP

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The target group comprises of 9 remedial pupils of Year 3 in the Special Remedial Class.

5. IMPLEMENTATION OF THE PROGRAMME

The Observation of the Problem

From the observation, the pupils have no interest to learn and do the exercises given by teacher. They

are not serious in answering the given questions. They do not think deeply or critically during the

answering process.

Analysis of Problem Observation

The pupils at most of the time failed to complete the exercises given during the Remedial Class. In

order to finish the task given fast, they answer the given questions without deep and critical thinking.

It is important for me address this problem soon because this can lead to the failure of every lesson

taught to them in future.

Table 5.2.1 below shows the number of questions answered by the pupils compared to the exact

number of questions given by teacher.

The Action Taken

In order to overcome this problem, a theory was created in assisting the teaching/learning in

the Special Remedial Class. The theory is named as ‘Interest Attracts Attention’. It is hoped that this

theory will allow the teacher to work or increasing the pupil’s interest and this will lead to the pupils

generating more attention towards the lessons’ activities and exercises given. In introducing this

theory in the teaching and learning process, I at first, observed the pupils attitude in the class and

investigated their actual attitude at home. As an example, why will a student watch television? The

answer is they have the interest in watching cartoons, songs, comedy and etc. Here we can conclude

that, interest towards cartoons will motivate the pupils to watch television. He/she will have the

tendency to wait for the cartoon program and also will make an effort to on the television. The same

applies in learning at school. If the teacher manages to identify the pupils interest, the teacher will be

No. Name of the Pupils in the Special

Remedial Class

The Number of

Question Given

The number of

Question Answered

1 Muhd Anas Danial 10 8

2 Mohd Azam 10 3

3 Putera Hakim 10 6

4 Mohd Haikal Aizat 10 6

5 Nur Hidayah 10 8

6 Norasma Izawati 10 7

7 Nur Syarafana 10 7

8 Nur Syazliana 10 4

9 Nur Sri Shafiza 10 7

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able use it to enhance the pupils interest in learning. This theory involves the implementation of

interesting teaching and learning process and effective class control.

Materials Needed

1. Manila card

2. Marker pen

3. White board (small)

4. Worksheet

5. Exercise book

6. Rubber stamp (star)

7. Dice

8. Snake and ladder board game

Implementation of Action and Observation

Implementing Activity 1

This activity is a method of grading the pupils’ attitude in class. A grading system is introduced by

me in order to improve a few factor such as:

i. A good class control.

ii. Increase the pupils attention and dedication towards learning

iii. Improve the pupils’ interest and discipline.

According to the theory created, I observed that my pupils like and have interest in rewards or

presents, praising and high marks given. The grading system is also created due to this factor.

Example of grading:

i. Class attendance - 5 marks

ii. Doing exercises - 5 marks

iii. Follow instructions - 5 marks

iv. The number of questions answered correctly

v. Bonus marks for positive attitude

* Marks will be deducted if fail to follow the instruction and show negative attitudes such as being

noisy, disturbing peers and etc.

Conclusion of Observation

Marks written on the whiteboard reflects the pupils input in the class. They will tend to complete with

their peers in getting better grades. The grades achieved will be rewarded with praises or presents on

weekly or monthly basis. Normally, the pupil with the highest mark or grade will be given the

present. After implementing this system, I realized the class control and the pupils interest towards

learning increases. The work level also showed increment due to the competition of getting higher

marks. The teacher action of deducting the marks of the pupils who do not follow instructions, made

them more careful and pay more attention in class.

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Reflection of The First Activity

The mark display board can be improved by using cardboard or manila card with decorations using

pictures and attractive drawings. In implementing this system, the teacher needs to be fair to the

pupils’ ability without practicing any prejudice. The outcome of this method enables the pupils to

increase their interest level towards learning process.

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Table 5.4.1.3 and the picture below shows the pupils’ marks

No. Names of Pupils in the Special

Remedial Class

Present Mark Overall Mark in

May 2011


2 Mohd Azam 10 65

3 Putera Hakim 10 75


5 Nur Hidayah 10 86





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Implementation of Activity 2

This is an activity by using worksheets with cartoon character on them. Here, I realized my pupils

have high imaginations which gears active reactions. For example, they tend to be noisy and do

wrestling actions with their peers if the class is not monitored. While engaging in this, they also name

their peers with the cartoon characters. This made me conclude that they have deep interest towards

cartoon characters. The characters such as ‘Superman’, ‘Batman’, ‘Spiderman’ is very familiar to

them. Due to this, I enclosed the picture of these characters together with the worksheets given to

them.

Conclusion of Observations of Activity 2

From the observations of activity 2, there is obvious difference in the way the pupils answer the given

exercises. Compared to them answer on normal worksheet with no pictures. The cartoon characters

printed on the worksheets greatly attracted their attention in focusing on the given exercises. A few

pupils, indeed completed the given exercises and requested for the same worksheet to do the answers

again. This is clearly due to the cartoon characters on the worksheets. This method can bring positive

advancement in the remedial pupils’ learning. In short, by using this method I observed the remedial

pupils able to:

i. Increase their interest in doing the exercises.

ii. Paying attention to the exercises.

iii. Do not copy their peers in order to complete the given task faster.

iv. Do not answer carelessly. There were attempts to answer the question correctly.

v. Do not make noise and their behavior was under control.

vi. Complete the given exercises within the given time.

Reflection of Activity 2

The pupils like worksheets with colour print, rather than black and white. Due to this, a lot of

coloured ink was used in printing the worksheets. The teacher need to minimize the use of coloured

ink in printing. The cartoon pictures should not be too big until they distract the pupils attention. In

preparing worksheets as in activity 2, the teacher needs to sacrifice more time, effort and money

because it involves the usage of internet in locating the pictures and also the usage of printers. At

times, scanners are also widely used. Teacher need to have the access to printer, scanner, internet

connection sush as the broadband. In achiering the objectives, this method proved to be successful in

increasing the pupils interest and attention in completing the exercises given by teacher.

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Table 5.4.2.3 shows the difference in the number of questions answered in the normal

worksheet and worksheet with cartoon pictures.

Implimentation Of Activity 3.

The following activity is an learning activity using game type. This game is created and names as

‘Read, Count and Move’. A big manila card is used to create this game. I have drawn boxes a long the

sides of this card. The boxes were written with numbers from 1 to 100. Al together there are 100

boxes including the start and finish boxes. As for this game, I also created reading cards and

mathematical questions. Reading cards in this game is used for Malay Language classes.

Mathematical questions cards are used for maths classes. These cards are attached to the manila card

or enclosed with the separately. A few cartoon character are paced on the game board to attract the

pupils.

Playing Method.

Every pupil will be given a pieces or chip with an alphabet on it. For instance, if there are 5 players,

so the alphabet of a, b, c, d and e will be used. The player with the chip ‘a’ will start the game. A dice

will be used. At the beginning of the game, every player will role the dice to start their move. They

No. Name of the Pupils In The Special

Remedial Class.

Number of

questions

answered on

normal

worksheet.

Number of

questions answered

on worksheet with

cartoon pictures.


2 Mohd Azam 3 10

3 Putera Hakim 8 10


5 Nur Hidayah 7 10





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will move to the boxes depending on the number in the dice rolled. Example, if player ‘a’ roles the

dice and get number 6, so he/she will move six boxes ahead. The same step used by all the players

during the start of the game. For the following move in the next round, the player need to take a card

which is placed in a cover at the centre of the game board. This has to be done fast without looking

into the cover or choosing. Now, the player need to read the word or answer the question written on

the card. This player will only be allowed to throw the dice and move if he/she could read the given

word or answer the given question correctly. If he/she fails, the player will lose the chance to move to

other boxes. He/She has to wait until the following round to continue playing. The same steps will be

used until a player manages to reach the finishing box and be declared as the winner. The winner will

be rewarded with present or marks by teacher.

5.4.3.1. (a) Example of words and questions on the card:

i) Malay Language Session - Ali baca buku

- jet

- kereta

- buku jenaka

ii) Mathematic Session - 2 + 1

- 5 – 3

- 2 + 2

- 8 – 2

5.4.3.1. (b) Materials Needed:

i) A base for the board game.

ii) Word cards and question cards.

iii) Dice.

iv) Alphabets pieces or chip.

Conclusion Of Observation Activity 3

The pupils like the game. They try to answer the questions in the card in order to proceed with the

game. The questions in the cards prepared in this game allow the pupils to strengthen their memory

towards the skill learnt in class. This game is an instrument in enhancing the pupils interest to learn.

Implementation Reflection of Activity 3

This game can only be played by 4 pupils. In my class, I need to have 2 game board to allow all the

pupils to play simultaneously. The teacher observation and monitoring is very much needed during

the game to know whether the pupils managed to answer the given question correctly. The teacher

need to supervise and assist the pupils during the game. Upon completion of this activity, the pupils

showed great interest in this game. At time, the pupils themselves requested to play this game. This

shows that their interest towards learning and education can be enhanced through this game method.

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Picture : The game of ‘Read / Count

and Move’.

6. Reflection of the Research

The assessment or evaluation is done through observing the behavior and the pupils work

achievement throughout the implementation of this research. The implementation of the activities and

method planned show very positive result. Further adjustments and improvements need to be made to

these methods from time to time according to the pupils ability and skills.

Table below shows the percentage of changes in the pupils interest toward learning process after the

mentioned methods planned been carried out during 1 hour lesson (2 period).

The increase in the interest of pupils toward learning also impacts their achievement in the tests

given. Based on the tests given, all the pupils managed to show increment in their marks. The table

below shows this advancement.

No. Name of Pupils in The

Special Remedial Class

in Year 3.

*The Original

Exercises Done.

*The Improved

Exercises Done.

% increment

1 Muhd Anas Danial 6 10 40%

2 Mohd Azam 3 10 70%

3 Putera Hakim 8 10 20%

4 Mohd Haikal Aizat 7 10 30%

5 Nur Hidayah 7 10 30%

6 Norasma Izawati 8 10 20%

7 Nur Syarafana 9 10 10%

8 Nur Syazliana 5 10 50%

9 Nur Sri Shafiza 7 10 30%

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*Mathematics class only.

The main objective in increasing the level of interest in remedial pupils towards the learning process

has been achieved through the implementation of the planned activities and methods. From the

methods, the pupils interest is enhanced through a method or grading system which emphasizes on

class attendance, the ability to complete the given tasks, follow teacher’s instruction and show good

behavior or attitude. The pupils showed positive competition among them to get higher marks and

receive the presents from the teacher.

The second method, stress on the teacher attracting the pupils interest by using cartoon elements in

the given exercises and worksheets. The cartoon characters in the worksheets managed to attract the

pupils’ attention compared to the normal worksheets without cartoon prints. The pupils showed great

impact by managing to complete all the given tasks.

The third method is the one liked the most by the pupils. The board game of ‘Read/Count and Move’

greatly attracted the pupils to attend the remedial classes and be active throughout the classes. This

game needs the supervision of the teacher and also a very unique way of teaching. Not the only the

counting ability of the pupils increased, but their memory power in answering the given question also

improved.

In shorts, we can conclude that the pupils’ interest can be used to enhance their ability in learning. An

example here is how a pupil likes to go to the stadium with his father. What motivates him to go to

the stadium? Definitely it is his interest in the game of football. Now, what can be the reason for

remedial pupils to like education and attend remedial classes? Definitely, the answer will be attractive

learning with elements which the like and interested in.

No. Name of Pupils in The Special

Remedial Class in Year 3.

Test Mark Of

Malay Language

& Mathematic

For March 2011.

Test Mark Of

Malay Language &

Mathematic For

July 2011.

1 *Muhd Anas Danial 49/55 -/64

2 Mohd Azam 26/11 29/15

3 Putera Hakim 30/24 36/52

4 Mohd Haikal Aizat 22/40 28/53

5 Nur Hidayah 35/35 40/53

6 *Norasma Izawati 47/26 -/54

7 *Nur Syarafana 50/58 -/65

8 Nur Syazliana 16/26 18/40

9 *Nur Sri Shafiza -/60 -/64

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7. RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FURTHER RESEARCHES

All the activities carried out greatly helped in making this action research a success. I am planning to

further continue this programme a share its ideas with my colleagues in my school. I will continue

with these activities according to the skill, ability and level of the pupils. For the oncoming

researches, I am recommending teaching and learning process using ICT and music to the remedial

pupils.

8. REFERENCES

1. E-REeM ( Educational Remedial For Elementary Mathematics), Jabatan Pendidkan

Khas, Kementerian Pelajaran Malaysia.

2. Pelaksanaan Program Pemulihan Khas (Masalah Penguasaan 3M), Jabatan

Pendidkan Khas, Kementerian Pelajaran Malaysia.

3. Rahil Mahyudin, Habibah Elias (2001), Psikologi Pendidikan Untuk Perguruan.

Selangor Darul Ehsan. Karisma Publication Sdn. Bhd.

4. Nota Kursus Perguruan Lepasan Ijazah (KPLI) 2008 Opsyen Pemulihan Khas,

Institut Pergururan Perlis.

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8. APPENDIX

12

10 - = 4 - 5 = 2

- 5 = 4 8 - = 3

Colour the picture.

9

7

6

2 5

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