Strengthening Middle School Students’ Mathematical Representation Through the Use of Geometry-Based Teaching Aids: A Quasi-Experimental Inquiry

Background: Mathematical representation is a fundamental skill that supports students in making sense of abstract concepts, particularly in geometry. Despite its importance, many middle school students struggle to represent mathematical ideas effectively due to limited use of engaging instructional strategies and the abstract nature of geometric content. Aims: The study aims to investigate the impact of using geometry-based teaching aids on improving students’ mathematical representation skills, which include visual, symbolic, and contextual abilities in understanding geometric concepts. Methods: This research employed a quasi-experimental design using a pretest-posttest control group approach. Sixty eighth-grade students from two junior high schools were purposively selected. The experimental group was taught using specially designed geometry teaching aids, while the control group received conventional instruction. A validated and reliable Mathematical Representation Ability Test was used to assess student performance. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics, t-tests, and effect size calculations (Cohen’s d). Results: The findings demonstrated a significant difference in posttest scores between the two groups. The experimental group achieved a higher mean score, with the independent t-test showing a p-value smaller than 0.05, indicating statistical significance. The effect size calculation confirmed that the use of geometry teaching aids had a strong and positive impact on students’ representational skills. Conclusion: The integration of geometry teaching aids into mathematics instruction significantly enhances students’ abilities to represent mathematical ideas in visual, symbolic, and textual forms. These aids help bridge the gap between abstract theory and practical understanding, leading to improved learning outcomes. The study recommends that educators incorporate interactive teaching tools into geometry lessons to foster deeper conceptual engagement and skill development among middle school learners.