Computational Competence on Basic Calculus of STEM Students through Mathematical Games

This research study deallt mainly on the use of mathematical games, Damaths the Integrals and Snakes and Ladderivatives, in learning the different topics in Basic Calculus. This study used pre-test-post- test quasi experimental research design which utilized t-test and descriptive statistics in analyzing the data. Maximum variation purposive sampling was used to determine the respondents of this study and devised a self-made tests/questionnaires which were subjected to test of validity and reliability. The pre-test scores of the groups signify that the students’ computational competence in Basic Calculus is low. The post-test scores of the groups significantly differ resulting to higher scores for the experimental group. It means that the computational competence of experimental group is superior compared to the control group. This was the result of exposure of both groups to different strategies and intervention programs. It could be concluded that mathematical games are effective in improving the computational competence of STEM students in Basic Calculus.

Keywords: Basic Calculus, Computational Competence, Mathematical Games