Improving the Calculating Skills with teaching aids

Excellent Educator, Volume No: 1, Issue No: 4, Page: 10-12

Summary

The article titled "Improving the Calculating Skills of Subtraction and Addition of Integers Using Beading Providers for Class VI" by M. Aham Rozikin and Pahlur Ronji explores a classroom action research study aimed at enhancing the mathematical skills of sixth-grade students at SD Negeri 03 Kuwasen, Jepara. The study focuses on the effectiveness of using bead teaching aids to improve students' performance in subtracting and adding integers.

The research was conducted in two cycles, each consisting of planning, implementation, observation, and reflection stages. The study began with a pre-cycle phase where it was observed that only 5 out of 18 students (49%) achieved the required minimum competency (KKM). In the first cycle, student performance improved slightly, with 61% of students meeting the KKM. By the second cycle, 76% of the students met or exceeded the KKM, indicating a significant improvement.

The beads, used as teaching aids, were chosen due to their simplicity and ability to help students grasp abstract mathematical concepts more concretely. These tools were especially effective in illustrating the operations of addition and subtraction with integers. Students were able to engage more actively and interactively during lessons, which was reflected in their increased motivation and improved understanding of mathematical operations.

The researchers concluded that using bead props significantly improved students’ mathematical skills, particularly in operations involving integers. This approach not only helped students meet the required KKM but also fostered a more engaging and collaborative learning environment. Further research is suggested to explore additional applications of this teaching method in other mathematical areas.

Implications:

Implications for Educators

For teachers, this study highlights the importance of using tangible, interactive tools in the classroom to support abstract concepts. Beading props provided a hands-on approach that allowed students to visualize and better understand the operations of addition and subtraction with integers, which are often challenging for young learners. This suggests that educators should explore diverse teaching aids and incorporate manipulative tools that make learning more accessible and engaging for students. The shift from traditional lecture methods to interactive group work and tangible aids also encouraged more student participation, leading to higher engagement and improved performance. Teachers can take this approach as a model for developing their instructional strategies to meet the diverse learning needs of their students.

Implications for Curriculum Developers

For curriculum designers, this study demonstrates the value of integrating interactive and practical learning tools into the official curriculum. Instead of relying solely on textbooks and traditional problem-solving exercises, curricula can benefit from the inclusion of physical props like beads, geometric shapes, or other manipulative materials that foster deeper understanding. By embedding these tools in lesson plans, curriculum developers can create a more inclusive learning environment that accommodates different learning styles, particularly for students who struggle with abstract reasoning. Additionally, this approach aligns with the need for more student-centered learning methods that encourage active participation rather than passive reception of information.

Implications for Policymakers

At the policy level, the success of this research points to the need for funding and resources to support the use of innovative teaching aids in classrooms, especially in under-resourced schools. Policies that encourage experimentation with teaching methods and provide teachers with professional development on using manipulative materials can significantly improve learning outcomes in critical subjects like mathematics. Policymakers should recognize the importance of hands-on learning as part of a holistic approach to education that not only improves test scores but also fosters a deeper, more lasting understanding of core subjects.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the implications of this study underscore the need for a shift toward more interactive and student-centered learning in mathematics education. The use of beading props to improve integer calculation skills offers a practical solution to a common learning challenge and provides a model for how educators, curriculum developers, and policymakers can work together to create more effective and engaging learning environments. This approach has the potential to improve mathematical literacy and problem-solving skills in students, setting a foundation for future academic success.

Reference:

Article Title: Improving the calculating skills of subtract and adding integer using beading providers for class VI state 3rd elementary school Kuwasen Jepara

Authors: M. Aham Rozikin and Pahlur Ronji

Journal: International Journal of Teaching                       

Publication Year:2024