Education

Education

Archive
Join as an Editor/Reviewer

Tangram Proficiency Leading to Numeracy Skills Enhancement

Volume: 84  ,  Issue: 1 , September    Published Date: 13 September 2021
Publisher Name: IJRP
Views: 790  ,  Download: 421 , Pages: 184 - 195    
DOI: 10.47119/IJRP100841920212223

Authors

# Author Name
1 Elymar A. Pascual

Abstract

This study focused on determining the ways in which numeracy skills are enhanced through tangram. An exploration on ways of solving patterns in tangram, power of imagination, enhancement of logical, analytical and critical thinking, and desirable characteristics being formed in playing tangram became part of this study. The community quarantine in the Philippines due to COVID-19 caused the design of this study to gather data through online tangram tournament. Seven learners accepted the seven-day challenge. They solved 55 tangram puzzles and answered 6 qualitative questions. After a week of tangram challenge, the following findings were established. In solving tangram puzzles, players can consider (1) looking into the details, (2) trial-and-error, or (3) planning. The best ways to solve tangram puzzles are (1) focusing on the whole portion, (2) focusing on the bigger portions, or (3) focusing on the smaller portions. Imagination plays an important role because (1) it makes things clear and the solution easier to obtain, (2) it put things into proper perspective, and (3) it reduces useless effort. Logical, analytical and critical thinking are enhanced because (1) proper flow of thought in the process of making decisions or conclusion is exercised, (b) deep thinking in considering different ways and solutions is given importance, and (c) correct reasoning based from facts or evidence is practiced. Numeracy skills are enhanced due to the following reasons: (1) Tangram can train the mind in dealing with abstracts and apply them in concrete things, (2) Tangram can assist in molding right attitude towards achieving goals and success, thereby improving skills like numeracy, (3) Tangram can aid learners in looking at the big picture without taking for granted the small details, and (4) Tangram can enhance skill in solving word problems. Desirable characteristics were discovered by-products of playing tangram.

Keywords

  • Numeracy Skill; Tangram