The Effects of Foldable Number Line in the Performance of Grade 7 Pandan Students in the Addition and Subtraction of Integers

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

In the introduction of the K to 12 programs, the Department of Education has high hopes that various teaching styles may work wonders on the basic skills of young learners. Over the years, learners tend to be skeptical and pessimistic towards Mathematics. Most of the learners reasoned out that they cannot understand easily the basic concepts being taught by their teachers in Mathematics. Most of the times, they failed to give the correct final answer in higher level mathematics questions due to the wrong procedure of adding and subtracting integers. In order to address this problem, the researcher came up with the idea of making a concrete manipulative form of number line which is the "Foldable Number Line or FNL," to help learners in improving their skills in adding and subtracting integers.

METHODS

This study used a combination of qualitative and quantitative methods in data gathering. The time when the tests were taken were the independent variables while the learners' performances based on Pre -Test, Posttest, and Completion Test were the dependent variables. The oral and written interview was also included in the data collection. The gathered data were analyzed through the measures of central tendency and one -way repeated measures ANOVA to check the significant effect of the use of FNL in learners' performance in the addition and subtraction of integers. Content analysis was also conducted to analyze the results of the oral and written interview.

RESULTS

The use of FNL in improving learners' performance in the addition and subtraction of integers has been proven effective. This positive effect was depicted by the improvement on learners' scores during the formative assessment and the results in their post-test and completion test. Learners' attitude toward the use of FNL in learning addition and subtraction of integers has also been positive. Knowing that manipulative materials can actually helped them in improving their performance and attitudes toward mathematics, teachers should exert more effort in designing the best learning plan for their learners.

DISCUSSIONS

After proving the positive effect of the FNL in the learners' performance, this manipulative form of number line will definitely be useful in helping low-performing learners to better understand the concepts of addition and subtraction of integers and develop their skills in performing the said operations. This will help them develop confidence in solving higher level mathematics.