Development and Evaluation of Localized Workbook in Kindergarten Mathematics

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Mathematics education begins in Kindergarten wherein children need to demonstrate skills on logic, measurement, number and number sense, geometry, and statistics and probability. Children must then be exposed to carefully-planned, age-appropriate and culturally-sensitive materials aligned to the curriculum using mother-tongue as the medium of instruction. However, localized instructional materials for kindergarten mathematics available in the field are very scarce. In this study, the researchers developed a localized workbook in kindergarten mathematics using the mother tongue. Evaluation and recommendations of the jurors as to content, format, presentation, and organization, and accuracy and up-to-dateness of information were considered.

METHODS

The study used the descriptive-development-evaluative method of research and purposive sampling. The jurors were 10 kindergarten teachers, 5 master teachers, 8 school heads and 1 Division EPS in preschool. The locale of the study is Talisay, Camarines Norte. Data gathered were interpreted using descriptive statistics.

RESULTS

The survey revealed that pupils' performance exceeds standards in one (1) skill, unsatisfactory in also one (1) skill, meets standards in twenty-three (23), and needs improvement in twenty-nine (29) skills.

The workbook is entitled "K-Math: Talasanayan ng Kahandaan sa Pagkatuto (Matematika)" which contains five chapters namely logic, number and number sense, measurement, geometry, and statistics and probability. The workbook was made localized through the use of pictures that are locally-available, real-life experiences of the pupils were considered and the mother tongue was used as a medium.

The study adopted the LRMDS Evaluation Rating Sheet for print materials. The results revealed that its general acceptability is very satisfactory.

DISCUSSIONS

Based on the evaluation, the workbook is aligned with the curriculum, localized, interdisciplinary, developmentally-appropriate and culturally-relevant the workbook is recommended for possible use in public schools as supplemental instructional materials. Other studies can be conducted to measure the effectiveness of the localized workbook in kindergarten mathematics using the mother tongue. Other teachers can also develop a workbook for other domains to make the learning process more significant in light of the instructional needs of the kindergarten pupils.