A  didactic strategy for enhancing mental Mathematical computation in elementary school

Angel Patricio Loja-Deleg; Anthony Javier Baren Dominguez; Eddie Jose Alcivar-Castro

doi:10.21744/ijpm.v7n1.2339

Authors

Angel Patricio Loja-Deleg Universidad Laica Eloy Alfaro de Manabí, Extensión Chone, Manabí, Ecuador
Anthony Javier Baren Dominguez Universidad Laica Eloy Alfaro de Manabí, Extensión Chone, Manabí, Ecuador
Eddie Jose Alcivar-Castro
eddie.alcivar@uleam.edu.ec
Universidad Laica Eloy Alfaro de Manabí, Extensión Chone, Manabí, Ecuador

Keywords:

critical thinking, math performance, meaningful learning, mental arithmetic, teaching strategies

Abstract

The study "Teaching strategies to improve mathematical mental calculation in high school" attempts to improve mental calculation skills in high school students in the educational unit "Ilo Alfaro" in Chuván, Ecuador. The research is based on the recognition that mental arithmetic is an important skill not only in developing mental agility and logical reasoning, but also in solving mathematical problems effectively. The research justifies the implementation of a didactic strategy that promotes meaningful, individualized and participatory learning. Teachers play a key role in adapting this strategy to the needs of students, using new methods that encourage and strengthen their confidence in their mathematical abilities. The methodology used includes a mixed approach, theoretical and experimental, which includes the observation and survey of teachers, and the analysis of the results obtained by implementing specific teaching activities. The studied population consisted of sixth year primary education students of the above educational unit. Preliminary results suggest that the applied teaching strategies not only improve fluency in mental arithmetic, but also encourage critical thinking, collaboration among students, and the ability to apply mathematical knowledge in everyday situations.

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