"I Have!” Who Has?”: An Activity to Address the Misconceptions in Adding and Subtracting Integers

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

The Senior HighSchool students are expected to have a strong foundation of necessary mathematical skills. At their age, they should know and master the essential operation of integers, like addition and subtraction. In contrary, still, many students are experiencing difficulties with the said operations, that triggered the researcher to conduct a study focusing on addition and subtraction of integers. This study was intended to determine the level of students' understanding also and subtraction of integers. It also identified the factors affecting the misconceptions of students in the said operations. This study aims to develop activities or learning materials that will enhance students' knowledge or skills in adding and subtracting integers for them to deal with higher mathematics skills quickly.

METHODS

This study used a quantitative method of research. Data was collected through pre-test and post-test results. The respondents were the four sections of Grade 11 students of Placido T. Amo Senior High School during the first semester of School Year 2018-2019.

RESULTS

The findings of this study show that the students know how to add and subtract whole numbers but experience difficulties in the addition and subtraction of integers. Upon the implementation of the activity and administering the post-test, the result shows that the "I Have!" Who Has?" activity was highly effective in addressing the misconceptions of the students also and subtraction of integers.

DISCUSSIONS

The study has a significant impact on students as they were able to address their misconceptions in adding and subtracting integers. Also, classroom teachers directly influence the learning process and the managerial function to stimulate learning in the classroom.