Enhancing Mixed Fraction to Decimal Conversion Through the Use of Spin-to-Learn it.

Author

Jimyma P. Bedrijo, Judilyn D. Villar, Dennise Wane Juliane M. Lim, Rosa C. Monda, Anjelyn C. Sullano, Rina C. Belen, Jayvee C. Atibagos, Joane M. Nuevo

Abstract

 The conversion of mixed fractions to decimals is a foundational mathematical competency that underpins learners’ ability to work fluently across numerical forms and solve real-life problems involving measurement, finance, and data interpretation. Despite its curricular importance, many Grade 7 learners struggle with this skill, particularly due to weak conceptual understanding of the relationship between fractions and decimals, confusion about place value, and limited exposure to interactive instructional strategies. This action research investigated the effectiveness of the Spin-to-Learn It intervention in enhancing the mixed fraction to decimal conversion skills of Grade 7–Aquamarine learners at Cataingan National High School. The study employed a one-group pretest–posttest design involving 32 respondents during the School Year 2025–2026. The Spin-to-Learn It is a hands-on, non-digital spinning wheel consisting of three concentric layers representing mixed fractions (outer layer), improper fractions (middle layer), and decimal equivalents (inner layer), allowing students to move step-by-step through the conversion process with immediate self-checking feedback. Data were gathered through a validated 10-item multiple-choice assessment administered before and after the intervention and analyzed using the paired samples t-test. Prior to inferential analysis, the Shapiro-Wilk normality test confirmed that data were normally distributed (W = 0.972, p = .569). Results revealed a statistically significant improvement in learners’ conversion skills, with the mean score increasing from 6.56 in the pretest to 8.69 in the posttest and a paired t-test yielding t(31) = −6.07, p < .001. The proportion of learners meeting the mastery level likewise increased substantially, from 31.25% (10 out of 32) in the pretest to 75.00% (24 out of 32) in the posttest. These findings affirm that the Spin-to-Learn It is an effective, learner-centered, and contextually appropriate instructional intervention for improving Grade 7 learners’ ability to convert mixed fractions to decimals in Philippine public secondary classrooms.

Keywords

Spin-to-Learn It, Mixed Fraction to Decimal Conversion, Game-Based Learning, Hands-On Instructional Materials, Action Research, Grade 7 Mathematics, Number Sense.

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