The Effectiveness of Touch Math in the Performance of Grade One Learners in Mathematics

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

The declining popularity of mathematics among the learners and the poor mathematical performance showed mathematics subject as an area needing much improvement. As a result, different mathematics approaches and strategies were employed yet we, the researchers, still observed that some pupils still struggling particularly in fundamental operations. In this research, the use of Touch Math, a multi-a sensory strategy which helps in the mastery of number concept enhanced the performance of grade one learners of Tayuman Elementary School in basic addition skills.

METHODS

The one-shot experimental design was used in this study. Pretest and posttest were given to a group of forty (40) grade one learners with low performance in Mathematics. Weighted mean, standard deviation, and t-test were used to determine the performance of the respondents. The respondents were given with pretest about the addition of one to two-digit numbers. The mentioned addition topic was chosen for its appropriateness to the period of a study conducted. Then, a series of Touch Math intervention and exercises were given including the numbers with dots. Posttest was administered after the intervention.

RESULTS

The results showed two important findings namely, 1) respondents given with Touch Math intervention performed higher in their post-test and, 2) there is a significant difference between the pretest and post test of the respondents. Findings showed that the respondents obtained a weighted mean score of 5.7 in the pretest and 9.0 in the post-test. The p-value obtained for the test on the significant difference in the performance in pretest and post test was 0.00. It was less than 0.05 hence, the null hypothesis was rejected, and the verbal interpretation was significant. Moreover, the respondents enjoyed and were motivated to learn addition using Touch Math because the strategy made addition abstract concept more concrete, easy, fun, and understandable.

DISCUSSIONS

This implies that Touch Math is an effective multi-sensory strategy which can be included in mathematics instruction. Furthermore, mastery of number concept should be given emphasis before moving to addition and other fundamental operations because the good foundation on basic mathematical concepts increases the numeracy rate of learners. Therefore, a challenge exists for designers of learning materials and teachers to engage learners to many sensory strategies and materials as possible so that the learners can be accommodated in various ways in which they can learn best.