Effectsof Singapore's Model Method on the Mathematical Problem-Solving Skills of Select Grade 3 Students in Sico Elementary School, Division of Lipa City, S.Y. 2017-2018

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

Word problem-solving is an area of difficulty and frustration for a considerable number of students. It is a challenging area for those students performing low in Mathematics. In response, teachers are finding ways to make word problem-solving easier by trying out new techniques and teaching methods which would make students interested and engaged. In this regard, there are plenty of teaching methods and strategies that the teachers could use like Singapore's Model Method, also known as "bar modeling". In this study, the researcher exposed and examined the effects of Singapore's Model Method on the mathematical problem-solving skills of select students.

METHODS

A descriptive-quantitative research design was used. The respondents were selected purposely. Twelve grade 3 students in Sico Elementary School, S.Y. 2017-2018 who performed below grade-level expectations in Mathematics were the respondents. A 40-item researcher-made pre-test was given to measure the problem-solving skills of the respondents. A researcher-designed teaching intervention was delivered to address the needs of the respondents.A post-test was given after the intervention to measure the effectiveness of bar modeling. The data collected were tabulated, analyzed and interpreted using selected statistical tools.

RESULTS

Based on the data collected, Singapore's Model Method provided students a more concrete method in comprehending and solving word problems to surpass their language difficulties. By drawing out what they have read, they created a concrete visual application of the problem. This helped them to manipulate the numbers more effectively. There is a 7.16 increase in the test mean from 11.92 in the pre-test to 19.08 during the post-test. Additionally, the pre-test MPS is 29.79 while the post-test MPS is 47.71. The results marked an increase of 60.07% and 60.15% in the mean and MPS respectively. Thus, the researcher proved that Singapore's Model Method is an effective strategy in increasing elementary students' comprehension and ability to use cognitive strategies in solving math word problems.

DISCUSSIONS

The results verified previous researches on Singapore's Model Method. Moreover, this study provides evidence that bar modeling is also effective outside of the Singaporean education system, with children who have never used the method previously. To sum up, all these data and analysis obviously display us that Singapore's Model Method has a positive effect on student's mathematical problem-solving skills.