Darting Towards Numerical Confidence: Assessing Integer Skill Development of Grade 8 Learners Through a Game-Based Approach
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.70884/mjsir.v86i1.618Keywords:
Addition of Integers, Subtraction of Integers, Modified Darts Game, Game-based LearningAbstract
Mastering integers is essential in mathematics; however, many students in the Philippines struggle with basic operations, as evidenced by their poor performance on international assessments such as PISA. The study investigates the effectiveness of a modified dart game in improving Grade 8 students' proficiency in adding and subtracting integers. To tackle the difficulties students encounter, the study employed a game-based learning strategy using the modified dart game. Thirty-two Grade 8 students were purposely selected and divided into two groups through pair-matching randomization: 16 students formed a control group that continued traditional learning methods, while the other 16, in the experimental group, participated in 15-minute daily dart-focused sessions over four weeks. Both groups were given pre-tests and post-tests to measure their progress. Results showed improvements in the experimental group, achieving a higher mean score of 24.25, as compared to the control group, which scored 18.44 in post-tests. A t-test analysis computed a p-value of 0.0072, which validated that there is a statistically significant difference in favor of the experimental group, indicating that the intervention had a positive effect on students' proficiency in integer operations. These findings suggest that integrating a modified dart game can effectively enhance students' arithmetic skills.
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