Effectivenessof Project ABACUS (Acquire Better Arithmetic Concepts By Using Strategies) in Teaching Mathematics for Grade 7 Students of Tanay National High School

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Mathematics has been vital in the development of human civilization as its importance has become greater in this age of information technology as computers and Mathematics go hand in hand. One of the challenges in teaching Math includes making the topic enjoyable and interesting for everybody, without the expense of understanding the terms. In this study, the researcher utilized Project ABACUS (Acquire Better Arithmetic Concepts by Using Strategies) which targets students with approaching proficiency in Math 7 aiming to improve these learners' computational skills.

METHODS

The study is experimental in nature as the instruments used include pre-test/post-test to find the level of effectiveness of Project ABACUS (Acquire Better Arithmetic Concepts by Using Strategies). Project ABACUS utilized methods of discussion, group activity, games and puzzles and ICT integration for the experimental group. The control group were rendered used the traditional way of teaching or the chalk and talk method. The duration of this project covers September to November 2017. Both the experimental and control groups have twenty-one students each.

RESULTS

The study revealed that the researcher found out that the mean of the experimental group and control group increased as revealed by the post test. Based on the table, the mean of the experimental group is higher than the mean of the control group with respect to the lesson in Fundamental Operations on Integers. A significant difference is present in the pre-test and post test scores of the experimental group indicating that there is an improvement in the learners' performance after being exposed to Project ABACUS. Moreover, higher scores obtained by the experimental group in the post test as compared to the scores of the control group implies that the utilization of Project ABACUS is helpful to increase the understanding of the students. This is solidified in the rise of the scores which were verbally interpreted as less effective and moderately effective.

DISCUSSIONS

In this study, the researcher concluded that Project ABACUS helped students achieve better performance and using either traditional method of teaching and with the use of Project ABACUS, the students still attained learning. As a whole, Project ABACUS was effective in teaching Mathematics. It is therefore recommended to encourage teachers to use and adapt Project ABACUS and to conduct a parallel study in developing other teaching strategies in the field of Mathematics.