DI-GO-IN to Improve Students' Understanding of Operation on Integers

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Many students enter high school level with poor concepts and skills in mathematics. One of these basic foundational skills and knowledge is the integers. The crucial foundation and pre-requisites skills to solve different equations like solving operations on integers involve signs of the numbers as well as the signs of required operation. This makes students confused when encountering questions that require performing operations on integers. Especially, when the students are asked to solve problems with integers within an allotted time to compute better and faster with conceptual understanding. The researcher developed the DI-GO-IN game to help and improve students' skills in fundamental operation on integers.

METHODS

This study aims to improve the understanding of Grade 7 students on integers. This is based on the pre-test result of7th level students of Infanta National High School. The study revealed that students have difficulties understanding fundamental operations on integers. Twenty failed students from the different sections were chosen between the SY 2016-2017 as samples for study. The researcher believes in the importance of the study for motivation and at the same time as remediation help for the struggling students. Part of the evaluation was to find out the main problem encountered by the failed students on why they suffer difficulties in mathematics. The researcher sought ways to find out what particular topics in math were connected from the first grading to fourth grading. Comparing their test from first to fourth grading, they discovered that integers are the hardest part of their math.

RESULTS

There are higher passing turnout rates in the given post-test compared to the pre-test. Students performed better in integers as well as the post-test and pre-test, all point toward effective use ofDI-GO-IN game in students' learning of integers. Results implied that students who engaged in the given activity have positive learning experiences and students achieved a better understanding of the concept.

DISCUSSIONS

Teachers should always ensure that the student's performance and skills are of passing rates, especially in mathematics. They must try to find ways to boost the students’ learning process. Find their weaknesses and strength through activities. Providing tests is the best tool to assess the students' abilities, which may reflect if the activities from the teacher are very effective. The research study implies that the DI-GO-IN game helped and improved students in solving fundamental operation on integers better and faster with conceptual understanding.