Improving Mathematical Connection Skills Of Grade 2 Students by Using Mathematics Tasks

Abstract

This classroom research aimed to enhance the mathematical connection skills of Grade 2 students through the use of mathematics tasks. The target group for this study consisted of 28 Grade 2 students from Wat Saohin School during the second semester of the 2023 academic year. The research tools included Mathematics Tasks, which comprised: 1) tasks requiring algorithmic processes with connections, 2) tasks focusing on high-level thinking that emphasized practical application and the use of prior mathematical knowledge for problem-solving, and 3) a lesson plan on division, including elements such as problem formulation, demonstration of thought processes (How to), reasoning (MB), integration of conceptual understanding with procedural skills (MC), and linking mathematics to real-life contexts (MD). Additionally, a test was designed to assess mathematical connection skills, covering topics such as: the concept of division, the relationship between multiplication and division, exact and inexact division, and divisors and the magnitude of remainders. The statistical analysis included mean and standard deviation. The results showed that after implementing the division lesson plan through mathematics tasks designed by the researcher, most students demonstrated significant improvement in mathematical connection skills, achieving a high performance level, with an average score of (𝑥̅ = 3.41), (S.D. = 0.84) When analyzed by specific aspects, the highest improvement was observed in mathematical connection skills related to divisors and the magnitude of remainders (𝑥̅= 4.23), (S.D. = 0.54) This was followed by skills related to exact and inexact division (𝑥̅= 3.87), (S.D. = 0.57) Lastly, the lowest improvement was noted in skills related to the concept of division (𝑥̅ = 1.65), (S.D. = 0.64).