Mathematical Learning Approach for Special Education Pupils: The Effectiveness of Mauselis Board in Improving Adding Skills

Abstract

Mathematic learning difficulties are common, significant and worthy of serious attention. Many of the issues that have had an impact on bilingual education have also had an impact on Special Education. One of the issues is, adding skill. Adding skill is one of the most crucial skills that needs to be acquired by every individual pupil with learning disabilities. The use of ‘MauSeLis Board’ (Maujud-Sebut-Tulis) which means ‘Concrete-Pronounce-Write’ in the classroom has been an effective tool for helping Special Education pupils in building up their skills in adding and reading the numbers aloud. This study investigates the improvement of the pupils with learning disabilities’ adding skill in Mathematic subject at school. The sole objective of the study was (i) to identify the effectiveness of the Mauselis board in Mathematical subject among Special Education pupils. The MauSeLis board was invented for teaching and learning purpose based on the Bruner Theory and CRA Model (Concrete-Pictorial-Abstract). The collection of the data was conducted through pre-test and post-test conducted on 20 pupils with learning disabilities as respondents in Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia. The study found significant differences in terms of their adding-questions scores before and after the use of MauSelis Board in teaching and learning session. Quantitative data were analysed using the descriptive statistics such as frequency and percentage to describe the results obtained from the Pre and Post Test. The finding of the research study showed positive result as the Special Education pupils who involved in the study showed consistent improvement throughout the sessions. This study also found that MauSeLis Board in teaching and learning sessions is a highly effective approach that develops a deep and better understanding of mathematic skill among the Special Education pupils as well as contributing to active, fun and meaningful learning session. In conclusion, this study summarises that teaching and learning approach among the special needs pupils should give more emphasise on the effective hands-on activities rather than the rote learning.