Using Maths Model Method In Solving Pre-Algebraic Problems Among Year Five Students

Teaching and learning problem solving involving pre-algebra in school has become very challenging because not all the students fully understand the concept and what information they learn to be used and to master the topic. Even for students who are proficient in arithmetic, the shift from arithmetic to algebra is difficult for many as it requires them to think in various distinct ways. The Maths Model Method has been recommended to support the learning of algebra as a visual approach to help students understand and formulate algebraic equations. The objectives of this study are to assess competency of pre-algebraic problem solving of year five students before and after learning Maths Model Method and to identify students' perception of using Maths Model Method. 46 students from a primary school were purposely selected to participate in the experimental study. The findings showed that year five students' competency in problem solving is at the low level before the treatment and has improved to moderate competency after the treatment. There is a significant difference on students' performance after the intervention. In conclusion, this study suggests that the Maths Model Method should be incorporated in teaching and learning problem solving in mathematics.

I. Introduction

Even though it is suggested by recent study that having algebra in primary school mathematics is a good initiative to prepare the students for later algebra study, still it is left for the secondary school curriculum to formally teach algebra [1]. Many researchers are interested in finding ways to enhance the effectiveness of students' problem-solving abilities to ease the teaching and learning processes. [1] stated that it is generally recognized that mathematics in primary school mainly focuses on development of numeracy and calculation skills. However, to limit the interpretation of mathematics curriculum to this interpretation is unjustified.