NIJI-SHIKI MAZE: A Mathematical Puzzle in Developing Skills on Solving Quadratic Equations of Grade 9 Students of Camarines Norte National High School

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Mathematics is a science of numbers, and quantities between them and always been considered as a tough subject. Therefore, learning concepts and acquiring skills must be entertaining and unique compared to usual method of chalk and talk, so that students will be more interested to appreciate difficulties in Mathematics.Children and students give a lot of time in solving equations while incorporating puzzles and mazes are quite fun to play, hence a useful learning tool. These insights gave the researchers to combine puzzles in solving quadratic equations. Thus, Niji-Shiki Maze, a mathematical puzzle was conceptualized.

METHODS

Descriptive-evaluative research design was utilized in the study. The population and respondents were chosen through nonrandom purposive sampling. They were two sections of Science and Technology Engineering Class of CNNHS divided into control and experimental group, 30 students each. Utilization of research instrument through conduct of pre-test and posttest as well as 5-Point survey questionnaire followed. Data gathering, computation, and analysis of data were conducted. Means, MPL's, SD, computed T-Value and grand weighted mean were the statistical tools used and served as numerical facts to significant difference and level of satisfaction of the respondents on the NIJI-SHIKI MAZE puzzle in developing knowledge and skills on solving quadratic equations.

RESULTS

The accurate computation is in the control group, the mean difference is 5.33, the SD is 3.50, the computed T-value is 8.34, and the Tabulated T-value is 2.043, while on the experimental group, the mean difference is 12.03, the SD is 3.40, the computed T-value is 38.60, and the Tabulated T-value is 2.043. Having the grand weighted mean of level of appreciation of 4.706, which is very highly satisfied.

DISCUSSIONS

The tabulated data clearly shows that t computed T-Value of 38.60 of Experimental group is higher than the T-value of 8.34 of the Control group and likewise greater than the tabulated T-value of 2.043. Hence, shows that puzzle is significant to the development of KSA on solving quadratic equations. Similarly, grand weightedmean of 4.706 revealed that respondents are highly satisfied. Therefore, the conclusion is that NIJI-SHIKI MAZE is significant tool in increasing academic performance of the students in Mathematics.