An assessment of number sense among Grade 7 students of De La Salle University Integrated School

Date of Publication

2015

Document Type

Master's Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Teaching Major in Mathematics

College

Br. Andrew Gonzalez FSC College of Education

Department/Unit

Science Education

Thesis Adviser

Lydia S. Roleda

Defense Panel Chair

Br. Joseph S. Scheiter

Defense Panel Member

Maricar S. Prudente
Maricar S. Samson

Abstract/Summary

Mathematics aims to develop in each student a meaningful understanding that grows to meet changing demands. This study explored the number sense of 330 Grade 7 students of De La Salle University Integrated School, divided into two groups: New Students and Old Students. New Students are those who did not study at De La Salle University Integrated School during their Grade 6 years and/or earlier while the Old Students are those who studied in De La Salle University Integrated School during their Grade 6 years and/or earlier. Students sense of numbers was quantified using a Number Sense Test adapted from McIntosh et al., (1997). Results indicated that students scored less than half in the 40-item Number Sense Test. However, New Students scored significantly higher (49.5%) than Old Students (45.8%). Moreover, both New Students and Old Students shared similar difficulties in the five components of number sense, namely Number Concepts, Multiple Representation, Effect of Operations, Equivalent Expression, and Counting and Computations. They scored less than 50% in all components except Equivalent Expression Component (53.8%). Respondents showed lowest performance in the Counting and Computations Component. Data also revealed that the students had difficulty in fractions and decimals.

The low performance of the respondents indicates that they do not possess adequate number sense. Since number sense is now part of the early maths in the K12 mathematics curriculum, it is recommended that mental calculations and computational estimation should be part of primary school mathematics education. This will help develop in the young students good number sense.

Abstract Format

html

Language

English

Format

Electronic

Accession Number

CDTG005888

Shelf Location

Archives, The Learning Commons, 12F Henry Sy Sr. Hall

Physical Description

1 computer optical disc ; 4 3/4 in.

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