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 levels, 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 are designed to build skills like inductive thinking, deductive thinking, and
analysis. 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 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
learners from the Science, Technology and Engineering Program (STEP) section who
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.
Outputs 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 a change in the grades. A post test showed
that there is also difference from the pre-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. Encouraging them to come up with a well-explained output. Math
teachers are encouraged to use the approach in their classes.