“Abot Kamay and Pagsasanay”: Effectiveness of Tactual Learning Kit as a Localized Manipulative Instructional Material in Grade 1 Mathematics

Abstract

Mathematics and numeracy are the foundations of critical thinking, creative thinking, spatial thinking, and problem-solving skills for learners to become effective citizens of the world. The development of innovative learning materials to cater to learners at the foundation stage is necessary in the teaching-learning process, especially in the time of the pandemic. This study endeavored to assess the effectiveness of the developed Tactual Learning Kit (TLK) as a Localized Instructional Material in Teaching Addition for Grade 1 Mathematics. The study used a quasi-pre-test-post-test-experimental research design. The development of the TLK as instructional material employed the use of the ADDIE Model. The learning material was piloted at Viga Elementary School, a multigrade school in the municipality of Lasam, Philippines. The participants of the study were the nine (9) systematically sampled Grade 1 pupils and the four (4) teacher-evaluators of Viga Elementary School. Results showed that the TLK as a learning material in Grade 1 Mathematics enhanced the cognitive performance of students, as shown with a large gain effect size. However, the attitude of the respondents before and after the use of TLK did not show a significant difference, but it still had a medium-sized gain effect. In like manner, the test of relationship using Spearman’s rho coefficient revealed that the respondents' mathematics post-test attitude is not associated with their post-test performance when using the TLK. Hence, future studies should look into the possibility of investigating this effect with the inclusion of other variables. Finally, according to the teacher-evaluators, the TLK was highly appropriate, acceptable, useful, and durable for Grade 1 students to learn the addition. For wider adoption and utilization, its enhancement and improvement were offered in order to upgrade the overall quality of the developed learning material.