The use of model method in the improvement of students\u27 performance in solving problems involving linear equations

This paper aimed to investigate the effect of model method in the performance of students in solving word problems that involve linear equations. This study used the Plan-Do-Study-Act (PDSA) model for action research and was participated by 66 grade 7 students from a private school in Tarlac City, Tarlac. It made use of research instruments such as problem-solving tests, perception survey, and written interview. In the beginning of data gathering, a pretest was administered to the students. Students’ errors and their level of problem-solving performance were identified. After the pretest, the students received two (2) intervention lessons about solving word problems which included additive and multiplicative comparisons. After the intervention, the students were given a posttest and were asked to share about how they feel about the use of model method through a perception survey and interview. Based on the collected data, the results of the paired t-test showed that there was a significant difference between the pretest and posttest in solving word problems after students were exposed to the use of model method. The results also revealed that the problem-solving performance of the students had improved with the use of model method. Their level of performance in each phase of problem solving rose from satisfactory to very satisfactory in phase 1(Understanding the problem), from satisfactory to very satisfactory in phase 2 (Planning for solution) and from very poor to satisfactory in phase 3(Getting the answer). This was also supported by their overall performance in the problems given in pretest and posttest which rose from satisfactory to very satisfactory. Also, the percentage of students successfully solving problems rose significantly after the intervention. Based on the findings, this study concludes that model method may be considered as an effective method in solving word problems involving linear equations