Enhancement of Mathematical Skills in Multiplying Numbers of Grade 7 Students through Project Stratricks Mulnum

Abstract

INTRODUCTION

During the enrollment for School Year 2017-2018, the Mathematics Department of San Jose Community High School conducted the Mathematical Ability Test in Multiplying Numbers for Grade 7 students. The students answered the questions orally. The results were identified using the scale of Mastery, Instructional, and Frustration. Based on the results, 39% or 167 students out of 540 students fall under frustration level and that led the researchers to conduct the study. The researchers conducted a one (1) month program witheight (8) sessions every afternoon at 4:00-5:00. Different tricks and activities in multiplying numbers were given by the researchers. The students were divided into 3 sets to closely monitor the progress of the students. The researchers believe that practice is the best way to improve one's mathematical skills.

METHODS

The Descriptive Method was used in the study. The researchers utilized different kind of tricks and strategies in multiplying numbers like hand tricks, manipulative popsicle sticks, showing videos, and mental math. The researchers applied some modification in using the t-test for correlated means and computed to find the significant difference in the students' achievement level.

RESULTS

Based on the result of the mathematical ability test with the scales of frustration, instructional, and mastery, there are 167 students or 31% who got the frustration level, 208 students or 39% who got the instructional level, and 165 students or 30% who got the mastery level. Since the result shows there are some students who belong to the frustration level, the researchers decided to implement the program for remediation. There are 167 students or 39% who fall under the frustration level in Mathematical ability test of the Grade 7 students during enrollment in School Year 2017-2018.

The result of the pretest is lower than the result of the posttest. There was a significant difference between the pretest and posttest of the performance level of the Grade 7 students in multiplying numbers. The Project "Stratricks Mulnum" has a positive effect on the performance of the Grade 7 students in multiplying numbers.

DISCUSSIONS

Based on the above conclusions of the research, the following recommendations were suggested: (1) adopt the program in formal classroom settings; (2) allow the students to apply the strategies and tricks in multiplying numbers; and (3) future researchers should make use of the program in other areas of Mathematics.