Advisers

Ryan Christopher M. Villalon, PhD

Discipline

Education

Abstract

This study evaluated Math Mats as an aid for Grade 6 students at Payatas C Elementary School in translating word problems into mathematical equations. It addressed learners’ difficulty identifying relevant information and converting verbal statements into mathematical symbols and examined whether Math Mats could support the organization, analysis, and solution of word problems. The study used a quasi-experimental design with Ninety-five Grade 6 students from the Diamond and Aquamarine sections, selected through cluster sampling. Researcher-made pretests and posttests measured performance, while validated survey questionnaires gathered student feedback. Data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, weighted mean, the Shapiro–Wilk test, and the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Structured Math Mats activities guided students in separating relevant from irrelevant information and representing word problems as mathematical equations through varied tasks. On the pretest, 86% of students scored within the 1–10 range out of 20, and the composite weighted mean was 7.26, interpreted as “low proficient.” After using Math Mats, the mean increased to 10.01, interpreted as “proficient.” The percentage scoring within the 11–20 range increased from 34% to 36%, while the percentage in the lowest category decreased from 34% to 7%. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test indicated a significant pretest–posttest difference (p < 0.00001). Of the students, 75 improved and 12 obtained lower scores. On a survey scale of 1 to 4, Math Mats was rated “effective” for varied tasks (composite mean = 3.21) and engagement (composite mean = 3.16). The findings suggest that Math Mats supported Grade 6 students and supported students’ ability to translate word problems into mathematical equations and helped them organize relevant information. The material may serve as a practical and engaging aid for connecting verbal language with mathematical symbols.

Keywords

grade 6 students, mathematical equations, mathematics instruction, math mats, word problems