Using Mobile Technology to Promote Higher-Order Thinking Skills in Elementary Mathematics

• Main Authors: Versoza, Debbie Marie, De Las Peñas, Ma. Louise Antonette N, Sarmiento, Jumela F, Aberin, Maria Alva Q, Tolentino, Mark Anthony C, Loyola, Mark L
• Format: text
• Published: Archīum Ateneo 2021
• Subjects: Mobile Technology in Teaching Mathematics; Mobile Learning; Numeracy Apps; Higher-Order Thinking Skills; HOTS; Logic and Foundations; Mathematics; Science and Mathematics Education
• Online Access: https://archium.ateneo.edu/mathematics-faculty-pubs/156; https://archium.ateneo.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1155&context=mathematics-faculty-pubs
• Institution: Ateneo De Manila University

The problem of rote-based learning in mathematics is well documented. Mobile technology can provide a potential solution, especially when application (app) design is based on sound pedagogical principles and gamification elements. However, an inventory of available mobile apps for mathematics reveals that many of the available apps are guided by a behaviorist perspective that favors repetition over meaningful learning. This paper reports on the design of mobile mathematics apps that harness gamification techniques to promote higher-order thinking skills (HOTS) even in basic elementary school concepts such as number comparison, and addition and subtraction. The integration of these apps in the classroom is also discussed.