Development of an instructional module in mathematics in the modern world utilizing design thinking approach
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Sep 17, 2026
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Ella Tricia M. Aquino
Melanie G. Sarmiento
Abstract
The development of instructional materials (IMs) has reached the pinnacle of what innovation can bring to classroom instruction. By thoroughly examining students’ learning difficulties in mathematics in the modern world, the creation of these IMs has explored all possible avenues for improvement. Utilizing a methodical investigation, specifically a sequential design. This study analyzed the results from the research tools administered to 134 students and 10 mathematics instructors at a certain university in the Philippines, applying this in the discovery stage of the design thinking model adapted from IDEO. The learning needs for teaching the topic “problem-solving strategies” were identified during the interpretation stage. During the ideate stage, a module was proposed. The gathered information, along with crucial data from relevant studies, was organized into a detailed plan for module development during the experimentation stage. Finally, the evolution stage confirmed the module’s content validity. Furthermore, the study recommends that the developed instructional module be subjected to Phase 2 validation and utilized by students to assess its effectiveness.
How to Cite
Aquino ETM, Sarmiento MG. 2026. Development of an instructional module in mathematics in the modern world utilizing design thinking approach. The Palawan Scientist. 18(2):in press. https://doi.org/10.69721/TPS.J.2026.18.2.06.
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Keywords
instructional materials, learning difficulties, mathematics education, teaching-learning experiences
References
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Bangalan RC, Hipona JB. 2020. Mathematics in the modern world as a science of patterns with an integration of outcome-based teaching-learning approaches. Cosmos Journal of Engineering and Technology. 10(2):17-25.
Beligatamulla G, Rieger J, Franz J, Strickfaden M. 2019. Making pedagogic sense of design thinking in the higher education context. Open Education Studies. 1(1):91-105. https://doi.org/10.1515/edu-2019-0006
Cabral C. 2022. Modular development in mathematics in the modern world. American Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Innovation. 1(4):11-17. https://doi.org/10.54536/ajmri.v1i4.502
Cadorna EA, Riboroso RA, Llagas Jr RM, Taban JG. 2023. Development of worktext in mathematics in the modern world. Journal of Namibian Studies: History Politics Culture. 33:3855-3871.
Calaminos F. 2024. Development and content validation of modular textbook on mathematics in the modern world at Sorsogon State University, Sorsogon, Philippines. EDUCATUM Journal of Science, Mathematics and Technology. 11(1):36-42. https://doi.org/10.37134/ejsmt.vol11.1.5.2024
Capuno R, Revalde H, Etcuban JO, Aventuna M, Medio G, Demeterio RA. 2019. Facilitating learning mathematics through the use of instructional media. International Electronic Journal of Mathematics Education. 14(3):677-688. https://doi.org/10.29333/iejme/5785
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IDEO. 2013. Design thinking for educators. [accessed 2022 Nov 22]. https://designthinking.ideo.com/resources/design-thinking-for-educators.
Johan GM, Kasmini L, Nuryani P. 2019. The practicality of student activity sheets integrated scientific approach to stimulate skills of elementary school students in solving problems surrounding natural environment. International Journal of Multicultural and Multireligious Understanding. 6(2):741-747. http://dx.doi.org/10.18415/ijmmu.v6i2.765
KSU (Kalinga State University). 2020. Course syllabus in math11: Mathematics in the modern world. KSU Library. [accessed 2022 Nov 22].
Lim EJA. 2021. Math class gamified! effects on the mathematics performance of COED students of Eastern Samar State University, Philippines. Indian Journal of Science and Technology. 14(23):1970-1974. https://doi.org/10.17485/IJST/v14i23.902
Lima P, Silva D, Felix I, Brandão L. 2019. Difficulties in basic concepts of mathematics in higher education: A systematic review. IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference. 1-7. https://dx.doi.org/10.1109/FIE43999.2019.9028658
Lobo J. 2023. Lecture-based performance augmentation via game-based application ‘Kahoot!’ in physical education: a 5-week experimental study. Physical Education of Students. 27(1):4-9. https://doi.org/10.15561/20755279.2023.0101
Lor R. 2017. Design Thinking in Education: A Critical Review of Literature. International Academic Conference on Social Sciences and Management (IACSSM) and the Asian Conference on Education and Psychology (ACEP). 36–68. [accessed 2023 Jan 15] https://www.researchgate.net/publication/324684320_Design_Thinking_in_Education_A_Critical_Review_of_Literature
Mariano-Dolesh ML, Collantes LM, Ibañez ED, Pentang JT. 2022. Mindset and levels of conceptual understanding in the problem-solving of preservice mathematics teachers in an online learning environment. International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research. 21(6):18-33. https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.21.6.2
Moreno-Guerrero AJ, Aznar-Díaz I, Cáceres-Reche P, Alonso-García S. 2020. E-learning in the teaching of mathematics: An educational experience in adult high school. Mathematics. 8(5):840. https://doi.org/10.3390/math8050840
Nabayra JN. 2022. Mathematics learning in the new normal through teacher-created videos: The first-year university students’ experience. International Journal of Arts and Humanities Studies. 2(1):22-27. https://doi.org/10.32996/bjahs.2022.2.1.4
Noreen R, Rana AMK. 2019. Activity-based teaching versus traditional method of teaching in mathematics at elementary level. Bulletin of Education and Research. 41(2):145-159. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1229426.pdf
OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development). 2018. The future of education and skills education 2030. [accessed 2022 Mar 2]. https://www.oecd.org/content/dam/oecd/en/publications/reports/2018/06/the-future-of-education-and-skills_5424dd26/54ac7020-en.pdf.
Pagtalunan TV. 2021. Roadblocks in teaching mathematics in the modern world. International Journal of Academic Multidisciplinary Research. 5(2):37-43. https://ijeais.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/2/IJAMR210205.pdf
Palisoc CP, Morales MPE, Avilla RA, Ayuste TO, Ramos-Butron B, Casilla NA. 2020. Developing STEAM educators’ proficiency scoring framework. The Palawan Scientist. 12:20–42. https://doi.org/10.69721/TPS.J.2020.12.1.02
Panke S. 2019. Design thinking in education: Perspectives, opportunities and challenges. Open Education Studies. 1(1):281-306. https://doi.org/10.1515/edu-2019-0022
Pentang JT, Andrade LJT, Golben JC, Talua JP, Bautista RM, Sercenia JC, Permatasari D, Bucad Jr. ML, Viernes MDD. 2024. Problem-solving difficulties, performance, and differences among preservice teachers in Western Philippines University. The Palawan Scientist. 16(1):58-68. https://doi.org/10.69721/TPS.J.2024.16.1.07
Quintos, RT. Jr. 2022. Faculty readiness to teach mathematics in the modern world online. Asia Pacific Journal of Advanced Education. 1(1):41-55.
Ramdani R, Syamsuddin A, Sirajuddin S. 2019. Development of mathematical module-problem solving approach to train student’s reflective thinking. Pedagogical Research. 4(4):em0040. https://doi.org/10.29333/pr/5861
Remo LM. 2019. Prediction and assessment of students’ performance in mathematics in the modern world (MMW). International Journal of Scientific and Technology Research. 8(4):219-224.
Revano TF, Garcia MB. 2020. Manufacturing design thinkers in higher education institutions: the use of design thinking curriculum in the education landscape. In: 2020 IEEE 12th International Conference on Humanoid, Nanotechnology, Information Technology, Communication and Control, Environment, and Management (HNICEM). Manila, Philippines: IEEE. p. 1–5. https://doi.org/10.1109/HNICEM51456.2020.9400034
Roman AG, Villanueva RU. 2019. Competency acquisition, difficulty and performance of first-year college students in mathematics in the modern world (MITMW). International Journal of Scientific and Technology Research. 8(12):2731-2736.
Second Congressional Commission on Education. 2024. Miseducation: The failed system of Philippine education, EDCOM II year one report. Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II). [accessed 2023 Jan 15]. https://edcom2.gov.ph/media/2024/02/EDCOM-II-Year-One-Report-PDF-022924.pdf.
Senate of the Philippines. 2010. Senate Bill No. 1162, 15th Congress: An act to provide for elementary, secondary, and tertiary school library media resources, technology enrichment, training and development. [accessed 2022 Mar 2]. https://ldr.senate.gov.ph/bills/senate-bill-no-1162-15th-congress-republic
Stewart I. 2010. Professor Stewart’s cabinet of mathematical curiosities. Illustrated reprint ed. London, United Kingdom: Profile Books.
Susada BL. 2025. A structural model of college students’ mathematics performance: the role of psychological, physiological, and psychosocial factors. The Palawan Scientist. 17(1):10-19. https://doi.org/10.69721/TPS.J.2025.17.1.02
Travero AS, Roble DB. 2022. Predictors of students’ conceptual understanding on finding volume of solids of revolutions in Integral Calculus. The Palawan Scientist. 14(2):76-84. https://doi.org/10.69721/TPS.J.2022.14.2.09
Verdeflor RN. 2024. A phenomenological study of mathematics in the world: Discriminate learning experience, impressions and actual encounters of students. Environment and Social Psychology. 9(9):2814. https://doi.org/10.59429/esp.v9i9.2814
Verdeflor RN, Pacadaljen LM. 2021. Outcomes of the course mathematics in the modern world: A phenomenological study. Annals of the Romanian Society for Cell Biology. 25(1):2586-2599. http://annalsofrscb.ro/index.php/journal/article/download/370/315
Ariaso R. 2020. Factors of learning in Filipino and students’ performance of secondary education in Eastern Visayas Philippines. Palarch’s Journal of Archaeology of Egypt/Egyptology. 17(6):8212-8227.
Averbach B, Chein O. 2012. Problem solving through recreational mathematics. United States: Dover Publications.
Bangalan RC, Hipona JB. 2020. Mathematics in the modern world as a science of patterns with an integration of outcome-based teaching-learning approaches. Cosmos Journal of Engineering and Technology. 10(2):17-25.
Beligatamulla G, Rieger J, Franz J, Strickfaden M. 2019. Making pedagogic sense of design thinking in the higher education context. Open Education Studies. 1(1):91-105. https://doi.org/10.1515/edu-2019-0006
Cabral C. 2022. Modular development in mathematics in the modern world. American Journal of Multidisciplinary Research and Innovation. 1(4):11-17. https://doi.org/10.54536/ajmri.v1i4.502
Cadorna EA, Riboroso RA, Llagas Jr RM, Taban JG. 2023. Development of worktext in mathematics in the modern world. Journal of Namibian Studies: History Politics Culture. 33:3855-3871.
Calaminos F. 2024. Development and content validation of modular textbook on mathematics in the modern world at Sorsogon State University, Sorsogon, Philippines. EDUCATUM Journal of Science, Mathematics and Technology. 11(1):36-42. https://doi.org/10.37134/ejsmt.vol11.1.5.2024
Capuno R, Revalde H, Etcuban JO, Aventuna M, Medio G, Demeterio RA. 2019. Facilitating learning mathematics through the use of instructional media. International Electronic Journal of Mathematics Education. 14(3):677-688. https://doi.org/10.29333/iejme/5785
Carlgren L. 2013. Design thinking as an enabler of innovation: Exploring the concept and its relation to building innovation capabilities. In Dissertation Abstracts International. 54(1):1-94. [accessed 2023 Jan 15]. https://www.stellenboschheritage.co.za/wp-content/uploads/Design-Thinking-as-an-Enabler-of-Innovation-.pdf.
CHED (Commission of Higher Education). 2020. Guidelines on the implementation of flexible learning. [accessed 2023 Jan 15]. https://legacy.ched.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/CMO-No.-4-s.-2020-Guidelines-on-the-Implementation-of-Flexible-Learning.pdf.
CHED (Commission of Higher Education). 2016. KWF-Mathematics in the Modern-World. [accessed 2023 Jan 15]. https://legacy.ched.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2017/10/KWF-Mathematics-in-the-Modern-World.pdf.
CHED (Commission of Higher Education). 2013. Statement of the Commission on Higher Education on Filipino and the revised general education curriculum (CMO no. 20, series of 2013). [accessed 2023 Jan 15]. https://legacy.ched.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2017/09/Press-Statement-Statement-of-the-Commission-on-Higher-Education-on-Filipino-and-the-revised-General-Education-Curriculum-CMO-No.-20-s.-2013.pdf.
Dam RF, Teo YS. 2020a. The 5 stages in the design thinking process. [accessed 2020 Feb 16]. https://ixdf.org/literature/article/5-stages-in-the-design-thinking-process
Dam RF, Teo YS. 2020b. Empathy map – why and how to use it. [accessed 2020 Feb 16]. https://ixdf.org/literature/article/empathy-map-why-and-how-to-use-it
Dam RF, Teo YS. 2020c. What is ideation – and how to prepare for ideation sessions. [accessed 2020 Feb 16]. https://ixdf.org/literature/article/what-is-ideation-and-how-to-prepare-for-ideation-sessions
Dam RF, Teo YS. 2020d. Stage 3 in the design thinking process: Ideate. [accessed 2020 Feb 16]. https://ixdf.org/literature/article/stage-3-in-the-design-thinking-process-ideate
Dam RF, Teo YS. 2020e. What is brainwriting? [accessed 2020 Feb 16]. https://ixdf.org/literature/topics/brainwriting
Enzensberger HM. 2000. The number devil: A mathematical adventure. United Kingdom: Henry Holt and Company.
IDEO. 2013. Design thinking for educators. [accessed 2022 Nov 22]. https://designthinking.ideo.com/resources/design-thinking-for-educators.
Johan GM, Kasmini L, Nuryani P. 2019. The practicality of student activity sheets integrated scientific approach to stimulate skills of elementary school students in solving problems surrounding natural environment. International Journal of Multicultural and Multireligious Understanding. 6(2):741-747. http://dx.doi.org/10.18415/ijmmu.v6i2.765
KSU (Kalinga State University). 2020. Course syllabus in math11: Mathematics in the modern world. KSU Library. [accessed 2022 Nov 22].
Lim EJA. 2021. Math class gamified! effects on the mathematics performance of COED students of Eastern Samar State University, Philippines. Indian Journal of Science and Technology. 14(23):1970-1974. https://doi.org/10.17485/IJST/v14i23.902
Lima P, Silva D, Felix I, Brandão L. 2019. Difficulties in basic concepts of mathematics in higher education: A systematic review. IEEE Frontiers in Education Conference. 1-7. https://dx.doi.org/10.1109/FIE43999.2019.9028658
Lobo J. 2023. Lecture-based performance augmentation via game-based application ‘Kahoot!’ in physical education: a 5-week experimental study. Physical Education of Students. 27(1):4-9. https://doi.org/10.15561/20755279.2023.0101
Lor R. 2017. Design Thinking in Education: A Critical Review of Literature. International Academic Conference on Social Sciences and Management (IACSSM) and the Asian Conference on Education and Psychology (ACEP). 36–68. [accessed 2023 Jan 15] https://www.researchgate.net/publication/324684320_Design_Thinking_in_Education_A_Critical_Review_of_Literature
Mariano-Dolesh ML, Collantes LM, Ibañez ED, Pentang JT. 2022. Mindset and levels of conceptual understanding in the problem-solving of preservice mathematics teachers in an online learning environment. International Journal of Learning, Teaching and Educational Research. 21(6):18-33. https://doi.org/10.26803/ijlter.21.6.2
Moreno-Guerrero AJ, Aznar-Díaz I, Cáceres-Reche P, Alonso-García S. 2020. E-learning in the teaching of mathematics: An educational experience in adult high school. Mathematics. 8(5):840. https://doi.org/10.3390/math8050840
Nabayra JN. 2022. Mathematics learning in the new normal through teacher-created videos: The first-year university students’ experience. International Journal of Arts and Humanities Studies. 2(1):22-27. https://doi.org/10.32996/bjahs.2022.2.1.4
Noreen R, Rana AMK. 2019. Activity-based teaching versus traditional method of teaching in mathematics at elementary level. Bulletin of Education and Research. 41(2):145-159. https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ1229426.pdf
OECD (Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development). 2018. The future of education and skills education 2030. [accessed 2022 Mar 2]. https://www.oecd.org/content/dam/oecd/en/publications/reports/2018/06/the-future-of-education-and-skills_5424dd26/54ac7020-en.pdf.
Pagtalunan TV. 2021. Roadblocks in teaching mathematics in the modern world. International Journal of Academic Multidisciplinary Research. 5(2):37-43. https://ijeais.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/2/IJAMR210205.pdf
Palisoc CP, Morales MPE, Avilla RA, Ayuste TO, Ramos-Butron B, Casilla NA. 2020. Developing STEAM educators’ proficiency scoring framework. The Palawan Scientist. 12:20–42. https://doi.org/10.69721/TPS.J.2020.12.1.02
Panke S. 2019. Design thinking in education: Perspectives, opportunities and challenges. Open Education Studies. 1(1):281-306. https://doi.org/10.1515/edu-2019-0022
Pentang JT, Andrade LJT, Golben JC, Talua JP, Bautista RM, Sercenia JC, Permatasari D, Bucad Jr. ML, Viernes MDD. 2024. Problem-solving difficulties, performance, and differences among preservice teachers in Western Philippines University. The Palawan Scientist. 16(1):58-68. https://doi.org/10.69721/TPS.J.2024.16.1.07
Quintos, RT. Jr. 2022. Faculty readiness to teach mathematics in the modern world online. Asia Pacific Journal of Advanced Education. 1(1):41-55.
Ramdani R, Syamsuddin A, Sirajuddin S. 2019. Development of mathematical module-problem solving approach to train student’s reflective thinking. Pedagogical Research. 4(4):em0040. https://doi.org/10.29333/pr/5861
Remo LM. 2019. Prediction and assessment of students’ performance in mathematics in the modern world (MMW). International Journal of Scientific and Technology Research. 8(4):219-224.
Revano TF, Garcia MB. 2020. Manufacturing design thinkers in higher education institutions: the use of design thinking curriculum in the education landscape. In: 2020 IEEE 12th International Conference on Humanoid, Nanotechnology, Information Technology, Communication and Control, Environment, and Management (HNICEM). Manila, Philippines: IEEE. p. 1–5. https://doi.org/10.1109/HNICEM51456.2020.9400034
Roman AG, Villanueva RU. 2019. Competency acquisition, difficulty and performance of first-year college students in mathematics in the modern world (MITMW). International Journal of Scientific and Technology Research. 8(12):2731-2736.
Second Congressional Commission on Education. 2024. Miseducation: The failed system of Philippine education, EDCOM II year one report. Second Congressional Commission on Education (EDCOM II). [accessed 2023 Jan 15]. https://edcom2.gov.ph/media/2024/02/EDCOM-II-Year-One-Report-PDF-022924.pdf.
Senate of the Philippines. 2010. Senate Bill No. 1162, 15th Congress: An act to provide for elementary, secondary, and tertiary school library media resources, technology enrichment, training and development. [accessed 2022 Mar 2]. https://ldr.senate.gov.ph/bills/senate-bill-no-1162-15th-congress-republic
Stewart I. 2010. Professor Stewart’s cabinet of mathematical curiosities. Illustrated reprint ed. London, United Kingdom: Profile Books.
Susada BL. 2025. A structural model of college students’ mathematics performance: the role of psychological, physiological, and psychosocial factors. The Palawan Scientist. 17(1):10-19. https://doi.org/10.69721/TPS.J.2025.17.1.02
Travero AS, Roble DB. 2022. Predictors of students’ conceptual understanding on finding volume of solids of revolutions in Integral Calculus. The Palawan Scientist. 14(2):76-84. https://doi.org/10.69721/TPS.J.2022.14.2.09
Verdeflor RN. 2024. A phenomenological study of mathematics in the world: Discriminate learning experience, impressions and actual encounters of students. Environment and Social Psychology. 9(9):2814. https://doi.org/10.59429/esp.v9i9.2814
Verdeflor RN, Pacadaljen LM. 2021. Outcomes of the course mathematics in the modern world: A phenomenological study. Annals of the Romanian Society for Cell Biology. 25(1):2586-2599. http://annalsofrscb.ro/index.php/journal/article/download/370/315
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