Innovative teaching strategy of using the Transcard model in conceptualizing fraction and decimal for primary mathematics education

Oct 15, 2026

Students often struggle to understand fractions and decimals, especially when misconceptions formed in earlier learning affect later topics. This study evaluates an innovative teaching strategy using the “Transcard” model and examines students’ perceptions of the approach. A mixed-methods design combined quantitative and qualitative analyses with convenience-sampled primary students. Paired t-test results show improved performance after instruction, while interviews indicate higher understanding and motivation throughout fraction and decimal learning.

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Abstract

Introduction

International Electronic Journal of Mathematics Education 2025, 20(1), em0806 e-ISSN: 1306-3030 [https://www.iejme.com](https://www.iejme.com Research Article)[ Research Article](https://www.iejme.com Research Article) OPEN ACCESS | Innovative teaching strategy of using the “Transcard” model in conceptualizing fraction and decimal for primary mathematics
education
NurAini Khoo Ahmad Fuad Khoo 1 , Heng Wen Qi 1 , Sharifah Osman 1*
1 Department of Innovative Science and Mathematics Education, Faculty of Educational Sciences and Technology, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, Johor, MALAYSIA
*Corresponding Author: [sharifah.o@utm.my](sharifah.o@utm.my)
Citation: Ahmad Fuad Khoo, N. A. K., Qi, H. W., & Osman, S. (2025) . Innovative teaching strategy of using the “Transcard” model in conceptualizing fraction and decimal for primary mathematics education. International Electronic Journal of Mathematics Education, 20(1), em0806.
[https://doi.org/10.29333/iejme/15735](https://doi.org/10.29333/iejme/15735) | | --- | | ARTICLE INFO ABSTRACT
Received: 11 Jun. 2024 Students are indeed weak when it comes to understanding fractions and decimals. In line with the national
Accepted: 29 Nov. 2024 curriculum, whole numbers and fractions are taught first before students start to learn decimals. By the time the students approach decimals, they should have acquired sufficient knowledge of whole numbers but limited knowledge of fractions. Unfortunately, many students face difficulty learning the subsequent concept due to themisinformation or misconception that happened during previous years’ learning. The main objective of this study is to investigate the effectiveness of the innovative teaching strategy using the “Transcard” model in learning fractions and decimals and the perceptions of students towards this model. This study employed a mixedmethods research design, which comprises both quantitative and qualitative data analysis. 30 primary school students from the Chinese primary school in Johor Bahru were selected through convenience sampling. There were two instruments used to investigate student achievement in learning fractions and decimals after applying the “Transcard” model during the pre-and post-test. A semi-structured interview was conducted to explore the students’ perceptions upon applying the method. Data were analyzed using statistical package for social science version 25. The result of the paired sample t-test indicates that the students perform better after the application of the “Transcard” model in learning fractions and decimals. Findings from the interviews revealed that the application of the “Transcard” model has increased the level of understanding and spiked students’ motivation in learning fractions and decimals. This study may offer an alternative way for primary school teachers to teach fractions and decimals, as using the “Transcard” model provides an engaging and purposeful experience throughout the learning process.
Keywords: “Transcard” model, primary mathematics education, fractions and decimals, innovative teaching strategies, mixed-methods research | INTRODUCTION Mathematics is the best medium to develop the potential of an individual, his intellectual capacity and human resources, asthe essence within mathematics prompts the student to think logically and in a systematic way (Devlin, 2021). Thus, developing the mathematics curriculum also takes into consideration the elements that bestow individuals’ personal development in line with the needs of developing the country. This isto make certain that we can compete globally and fulfil the importunity of human resources in this modern era that is accordant with the need to be provided with sufficient mathematical skills and knowledge. In Malaysia, mathematics is one of the core subjects that is compulsory for all students who partake in the national education system (Li & Schoenfeld, 2019) . Each student is obliged to undergo a

FAQs

What problem does the study address about fractions and decimals?

Students often have difficulty understanding fractions and decimals, and misconceptions from previous learning can make later concepts harder to grasp.

How does the study evaluate the “Transcard” model?

The study uses a mixed-methods design with pre- and post-tests, analyzed with quantitative statistics, plus semi-structured interviews to explore student perceptions.

What do the results show after applying the “Transcard” model?

Paired sample t-test results indicate better student performance after the intervention, and interview findings suggest increased understanding and motivation.

Oct 15, 2026

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