Jenga Blocks Game: A Tool to Develop the Mastery Level of Grade 2 Pupils in Multiplying 1-Digit Number

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Moments of frustration are common for pupils with math problems and for the adults who work with them. Teachers cannot assess the pupils' prior knowledge when they directly teach the pupils. But when instruction is incorporated with educational games learning is more effective. Applying Mathabbles game helped pupils simply know how to solve math problems using the four basic operations (Johnson, et.al. 2011). One of these games is the use of Jenga Blocks Game. This game is crucial to pupils who have a complication in solving problems, especially in multiplying numbers. In the scenario of Caras-an Elementary School has a total population of 24 grade, 2 pupils for the recent school year encountered difficulty in multiplying 1-digit number resulting in low scores in MPS in Mathematics. At the start of the lesson, a pre-test was conducted that resulted in 13 out of 24 pupils who are not acceptable in terms of their mastery level. As observed, these pupils have less interest and got bored in answering multiplying numbers even if the subject is scheduled for the first hour in the morning.

METHODS

This study used Jenga Blocks Game as the primary intervention material to develop the mastery level of grade 2 pupils in multiplying 1-digit number. This study utilized the Comparison Group Pre-test/Post-test research design to assess the effectiveness of Jenga Blocks Game. The identified grade 2 pupils who are not acceptable in terms of their mastery level were given a 20-item test to determine the baseline data. Post-test was given after the completion of classes that determined the mastery level of pupils' achievement in answering multiplication of the 1-digit number of the groups of the respondents under study.

RESULTS

Distribution of Pupils' mean scores in the Pre-test and Post-test Type of Test Mean Mastery Level

Pre-test         10.15     NOT ACCEPTABLE

Post-test       15.69     BELOW MASTERY

Increased of Mean Scores     5.54

DISCUSSIONS

The table shows an increase in the mean score of the two tests conducted. Before implementing the Jenga Blocks, it was 10.15 particularly and was raised to 15.69 after implementing the Jenga Blocks. It further implied that the result of pre-test increased by 5.54 after the conduct of post-test.