Developing the ability to solve decimal multiplication problems using situational modeling learning combined with Base Ten Blocks for 5th grade

Abstract

                   This research is an action research study aimed at examining the ability to solve decimal multiplication problems using simulation-based learning combined with Base Ten Blocks for Grade 5 students. The target group for the study consisted of 10 Grade 5 students, selected purposively from a medium-sized school in Kalasin Province during the first semester of the 2024 academic year. The research instruments included: 1) seven lesson plans employing simulation-based learning combined with Base Ten Blocks, 2) a test measuring the ability to solve decimal multiplication problems for Grade 5 students, and 3) a post-cycle reflection record.

           The research findings revealed that the development of students’ ability to solve problems involving decimal multiplication improved after the implementation of simulation-based learning combined with Base Ten Blocks. In the first action research cycle, 8 students met the criterion of 70 percent, representing 80 percent of the total. In the second action research cycle, 9 students met the criterion of 70 percent, representing 90 percent of the total. The simulation-based learning approach combined with Base Ten Blocks was effective in improving students’ ability to solve decimal multiplication problems.