Algebra Tiles as Teaching Device in Enhancing Algebra Skills

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Algebra is an important area of mathematics. It is a generalized form of arithmetic and for the purpose of generalization of arithmetic, letters and signs are used. No doubt, the use of letters and signs make it an abstract subject. Because of the nature of generalization and abstraction, algebra is considered a difficult area of mathematics. Using algebra tiles as a teaching device in enhancing skills will help students overcome their math anxiety and will give them an easier way to solve or understand the concepts of algebra lessons like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division of polynomials as well as factoring.

METHODS

The proponents used a pre-experimental research design in conducting this study. They employed pre-test-post-test group design. This design is the most appropriate because the study entails variables (levels of learning ability) which are determined by the pre-and post-test results. Researchers used the Purposive sampling technique in the selection of the respondents.

The sample is composed of 23 respondents. The respondents were given a pre-test to test their knowledge of the topics. The respondents received tutorials for ten sessions. The teacher used algebra tiles in introducing the different topics chosen by the researchers and adviser. After the ten tutorial sessions, a post-test was given to the respondents using a parallel form of the pre-test. The results of the two tests were compared to note differences.

RESULTS

This experimental research was conducted to determine the effectiveness of algebra tiles in enhancing the skills of students in algebra. This study employed the use of t-test in determining the significant difference of the mean of the two tests given to the students. After the interpretation of data, it was concluded that: 1) The pre-test showed that the respondents had great difficulty in performing operations on polynomials and factoring. 2) In the post-test, the respondents had improved their skills in performing operations on polynomials and factoring because they already used the algebra tiles. 3) The use of algebra tiles in performing operations on polynomials and factoring was effective.

DISCUSSIONS

The results showed that after using the proposed algebra tiles, 15 students got the highest score in the post-test and these means that the algebra tiles was effective. The findings and conclusions recommend the use of algebra tiles in presenting the lessons and topics in algebra.