Singapore Mathematics and algebraic approach in problem solving

Abstract

This descriptive experimental research was conducted to determine the effect of Singapore Mathematics (SM) approach on the problem-solving ability of the fourth year students. Pre-test and post-test were utilized as instruments of this study. The means and standard deviations were computed for the descriptive analysis and the t-test for independent samples and t-test for dependent samples were used for inferential analyses. The findings showed that the students in both groups had a low performance in Math as indicated in the pre-test. Significant difference was noted in the post-treatment performance of the two groups, in favor of the experimental group. Significant differences were also noted between the pre- and post-treatment performance of each group. However, the experimental group has a better mean gain. With the aid of drawings, models or even real objects, students can see the visual representation of the problem’s situation, leading to their better understanding and analysis of the problem. Mathematics teachers are encouraged to develop students’ critical and logical thinking through problem-solving, to expose students to various strategies to make every Mathematics class lively and to elicit students’ maximum participation.