The Research is about investigating the effect of problem Solving Maps approach to the performance of grade 9 learners. The problem solving Maps (PSM) were designed by Dr. Danilo Sirias to be applicable across multiple math topics and grade level, encouraging learners to participate in a simplified learning process, from elementary school to secondary education. When students use Problem Solving Maps, they learn both product and process. The maps also are used to provide common language to connect new concepts with previous knowledge. Secretary General from TOCFE, Japan said that the math tools enable them to organize their thought by pattern. Learning a thinking pattern makes life much easier, not only in studying math, but also in various aspects of everyday life.
The Main goal of the research was to investigate the effect of the Problem Solving Maps approach to the performance of grade 9 learners.
The researchers sought answers to the following research questions:
1. What is the level of performance of grade 9 learners in mathematics in terms of pre-test and second quarter grades?
2. What is the level of performance of grade 9 learners in mathematics in terms of post-test and Third quarter grades?
3. What is the effect of problem solving maps in the performance of grade 9 Learners in mathematics
The participants of the action research were the selected grade 9 learners, and they were selected through purposive sampling. Teacher-researchers selected the bottom 30 underwent Problem Solving Maps Strategy in teaching Mathematics. The Teacher handling the section is one of the researchers, and the Master Teacher who are conducting the classroom observation is the co-author of the research.
The Research used quasi-experimental method to identify the performance of the participants before and after the exposure to problem solving maps. The pretest-posttest group design and the quarterly grades were used as the sources of data and information. Output from the learners are additional source of data that will measure the in-between process of using Problem Solving Maps.
In the light of the results of the data presented, it is clear that there are increase in the numerical value of grades of the learners who used the problem solving maps approach. as compared to the previous grading period, there is change in the grades. A post test showed that there is also difference from the prer-test. Therefore, using this approach would help the learners increase their performance in mathematics.
However, the over-all grades of the learners do not have a significant effect from the intervention. It could be other factors that affect like the difficulty of topics, the environmental factors especially virtual classes, the shortage of exposure time to problem solving maps and Assessments.
The researchers will try to dig more options to target a higher result on the succeeding researches.
The Researchers recommend that the Problem Solving Maps approach would be utilized in the present modality. It helps the students think about Solving Maps in a Systematic and organized way. Encouraged them to come up with a well-explain output. Math teachers are encourage to use the approach in their classes
 

57 pages : illustrations (some color), portrait ; 21 cm x 29.7 cm.
Action Research - San Bartolome High School, 2021