Effect of Problem-Solving Enrichment Activities on Mathematics Achievement

Abstract

This study investigated the effectiveness of using manipulative materials in enhancing problem-solving skills in Mathematics among Grade 2 pupils at Barugo II Central School for the school year 2018–2019. A quasi-experimental design was employed, with 40 pupils divided into an experimental group (n=20), which was taught using manipulative materials, and a control group (n=20), which received traditional instruction without manipulatives. A pre-test and post-test were administered to both groups to measure problem-solving achievement. Results revealed that pupils in the experimental group demonstrated significantly higher improvement in their problem-solving skills compared to those in the control group. The mean post-test score for the experimental group (20.05) was notably higher than that of the control group (15.90), and the statistical analysis confirmed that this difference was significant. Both groups showed improvement from pre-test to post-test, but the use of manipulative materials provided a more substantial gain in problem-solving achievement. The findings suggest that manipulative materials serve as an effective tool for enriching problem-solving skills in Mathematics. Based on the results, it is recommended that teachers integrate manipulative materials into their lessons and that enrichment activities be continuously developed and validated. The study also proposed an intervention scheme to further enhance problem-solving abilities in Mathematics, which future researchers could build upon.