ENHANCING THE BASIC MATHEMATICAL SKILLS OF PUPILS WITH MATHEMATICAL LEARNING DIFFICULTIES USING METIC BOARD: A CONCEPTUAL FRAMEWORK

Abstract

In the Malaysian education system, mathematics is a compulsory subject for students. However, it is often perceived as difficult to master by many students, as evidenced by analyses showing weaker performance in mathematics compared to other subjects. Previous research has identified that one of the primary challenges in mastering mathematics is the lack of basic mathematical skills among students from the early stages of schooling, which subsequently leads to difficulties in learning arithmetic skills.Therefore, this article presents recommendations for enhancing basic mathematical skills for students with learning difficulties in mathematics, emphasizing the importance of planned interventions and the effectiveness of developing a learning tool called the 'Metic Board'. This tool is designed based on Piaget’s Cognitive Development Theory, Dehaene’s Triple-code Model, and Wong’s Framework, aiming to assist more children struggling with mathematics, particularly in foundational skills such as number sense, addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. This article illustrates that students who are weak in mathematics, particularly those with learning difficulties, require not only systematic interventions but also learning tools that are appropriate for their cognitive development level and sensory development, which influence their ability to learn mathematical skills.