Engagement Packet versus Technology-Enhanced Instructional Materials in Mathematics for Grade 9 Students

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

This study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of the Engagement Packet (EnPac) and the Technology-Enhanced Instructional Materials (TEIMs) in the performance of Mathematics of Grade 9 students. Students’ scores in the numeracy test, first quarterly assessment test, second quarterly assessment test, and pre-test were used to form two experimental groups using t-test of independent samples.

METHODS

This study utilized an Experimental Method of research using Posttest-Only Control GroupDesign. The first experimental group was taught using the Engagement Packet while the second group was taught using the Technology-Enhanced Instructional Materials. The EnPac contained activities and strategies in the form of games and puzzles while PowerPoint presentations, Internet, and Videos were integrated in the TEIMs. After the conduct of the experiment, the posttest was given and served as the evaluative measure to compare the academic performances of the two experimental groups. The mean scores of the EnPac group and the TEIMs group were compared using t-test for dependent samples. Also, using a researcher-made questionnaire, the levels of interest of the respondents in the two treatments were determined and compared.

RESULTS

Findings showed that there was no significant difference between the mean scores of the two experimental groups in their entry-level performances. The posttest revealed that the EnPac group got a higher mean score and students from this group performed better than students from the TEIMs group. It was also found that there was a significant difference between the post test's mean scores of the two group of respondents. The researcher concluded that games and puzzles in the engagement packet helped in the improvement of students' academic performance in Mathematics. The respondents in both groups were extremely interested in using the Engagement Packet and the Technology-Enhanced Instructional Materials.

DISCUSSIONS

The researcher recommends the use of games and puzzles of EnPac to encourage students' active participation and improve academic performance in Mathematics. The Mathematics teachers may adopt the use of the engagement packet in teaching Exponents and Radicals. Games and puzzles may be integrated in teaching to encourage students' active participation and improve academic performance in Mathematics.