Learning through virtual manipulatives: Investigating the impact of Gizmos-based lessons on students’ performance in integers

Abstract

Understanding integers is critical for further learning in mathematics. However, most students have difficulty understanding integers, especially how to apply sign rules. This study adopted a mixed-method and action research approach to investigate the impact of a virtual manipulative tool (Gizmos) on students’ performance in addition and subtraction of integers. It also explored students’ perceptions of the Gizmos-based intervention. A multistage sampling was used to select 44 year 9 students in one of the secondary schools in Brunei, who were subjected to a Gizmos-based lesson intervention on addition and subtraction of integers. Data were collected through pre-test, post-test, and interviews. Our paired sample t-test showed that student performance after the intervention improved significantly. The results also revealed that the Gizmos-based intervention provided an opportunity for students to play, learn, and visualize integers, enhancing their confidence, understanding, and performance. However, they found it challenging to memorize the rules during Gizmos-based lessons. Based on our results, Gizmos can be an effective tool that can help improve student performance in addition and subtraction of integers when carefully implemented. It has dynamic representative features that provide quick feedback to students when dealing with integers. It is recommended that teachers should continuously guide students to understand and apply sign rules and instructions in using Gizmos.

Relationship between familiarity and competency in integrating information and communication technology into mathematics instruction

“…These twin theories propelled the mathematics teachers to show adequate familiarity and professional competence on the usage of information and communication technolog (ICT) in mathematics teaching in general (Netsianda & Ramalla, 2021). It has widely been accepted that integrating ICT into mathematics teaching promotes student motivation, arouses their curiosity, ensures active participation and enhances academic performance (Haji Ismail et al, 2023). However, teachers' familiarity and competency is a significant factor in examining integrating ICT into mathematics education at all levels.…”

“…The census method was used to involve all the 75 mathematics teachers in the Effutu Municipality of Ghana. These teachers were selected based on the convenience and their proximity to the university (Haji Ismail et al, 2023).…”

How can we help a student with Asperger syndrome to avoid the illusion of linearity?

“…When teaching is based on the use of tangible materials, the child becomes familiar with them and in the future the use of ICT in teaching becomes more intimate and accessible to the child. Given that the use of virtual manipulatives has a positive effect on students' confidence, understanding and performance (Haji Ismail et al, 2023), especially in the modern post-COVID-19 and digital technology era, educators have an important resource in their effort to implement innovative and effective teaching models .…”