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; Mathematics; Science and Mathematics Education
• Online Access: https://archium.ateneo.edu/mathematics-faculty-pubs/206; https://archium.ateneo.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1207&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.