As teachers scramble for ways to find a viable and effective way of teaching mathematics in the new normal, the Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) developed an online platform that makes math more interesting, compelling and engaging for students.
Developed by a team led by Dr. Ma. Louise Antonette N. de las Penas, the Loyola Schools Associate Dean for Research and Creative Work, the“Technology Innovations for Mathematical Reasoning, Statistical Thinking and Reasoning,” or “Mathinic” project, seeks to create a digital mathematics learning environment.
It aims to transform young Filipinos into proficient problem solvers using digital mobile applications and instructional materials, large-scale database of assessment results, and a database for statistical learning, or Census-at-School.
“Our focus is to intuitively spark a zest among Filipinos of varying age to become math wizards by developing a digital classroom with sound pedagogical principles, user-friendly, aligned with the Department of Education [DepEd] curriculum, has minimum system requirements for mobiles or computers, and is cost-effective,” de las Penas said.
The research seeks to create 20 interactive applications that focus on number magnitude (for Grades 1 to 6) with accompanying user manuals.
It also aims to have 20 interactive applications in mathematics for Grades 7 to 10, with accompanying teaching guides, database for storing census results, making mathematics e-learning to be more interesting and meaningful among Filipino children.
The project has finalized the test structures for addition and subtraction and has conducted needs and gaps assessments in two grade schools and two high schools in San Mateo, Rizal.
It has met with school representatives and identified least-learned topics for grade and year levels.
The project team has likewise conducted the initial meeting with the mayor and vice mayor of San Mateo and with representatives from DepEd-San Mateo to discuss and endorse the use of the technologies.
The project, funded by the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD), will soon finalize its test items in multiplication, division and fractions.
The apps can provide number-sense experiences to children and support the teachers who wish to integrate research-based practices in the classroom.
The database for statistical learning will be the first in the Philippines that will give students access to authentic data.
DOST-PCIEERD Executive Director Dr. Enrico C. Paringit recognized the value of the apps, especially for teachers who are now looking for tools to aid in the blended learning method of teaching in the new normal.
“As a leader and partner in supporting innovations, we hope that we support more technologies that can help us navigate in the new normal,” Paringit said.