Teaching Strategies for Enhancing Understanding of Multiplication Concepts in Grade 1


Authors : Masala Onica Rasise; Shonisani Agnes Mulovhedzi

Volume/Issue : Volume 10 - 2025, Issue 11 - November


Google Scholar : https://tinyurl.com/5e6fhx7v

Scribd : https://tinyurl.com/5h7p7xj7

DOI : https://doi.org/10.38124/ijisrt/25nov1285

Note : A published paper may take 4-5 working days from the publication date to appear in PlumX Metrics, Semantic Scholar, and ResearchGate.


Abstract : A solid understanding of multiplication concepts in the early years of schooling is essential for learners to thrive in Mathematics throughout their academic journey. Building this foundation in Grade 1 helps learners make sense of multiplication beyond just repeated addition and supports their ability to think critically and solve problems. This study aimed at exploring the teaching strategies for enhancing the understanding of multiplication concepts in Grade 1. The study followed a qualitative research approach, using Vygotsky’s Social Cultural Theory. The population of the study was all Grade 1 teachers teaching Mathematics. Purposive sampling was used to select six teachers across three schools in Soutpansberg West Circuit. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and classroom observations. The data was transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis to identify themes. The findings provided insights into effective practices for introducing multiplication, common misconceptions learners face, and the challenges teachers encounter. The study contributed to the growing body of knowledge in early multiplication education and offered recommendations for improving teaching strategies and curriculum design to better support conceptual understanding in Grade 1.

Keywords : Division, Foundation Phase, Mathematics, Prepare Readiness, Repeated Addition.

References :

  1. Braun, V., & Clarke, V. (2022). Thematic analysis: A practical guide. SAGE Publications.
  2. Carbonneau, K. J., Marley, S. C., & Selig, J. P. (2021). A meta-analysis of the effects of manipulatives on mathematics achievement: Re-examining the role of guidance. Educational Psychology Review, 33(2), 533–559. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10648-020-09543-6
  3. Charlesworth, R., & Lind, K. (2013). Mathematics and Science for Young Children (Howard & Charlesworth, Eds.). Cengage.
  4. Creswell, J. W., & Poth, C. N. (2023). Qualitative inquiry and research design: Choosing among five approaches (5th ed.). SAGE Publications.
  5. Fleer, M. (2020). Vygotsky’s theoretical insights and early childhood education: A cultural-historical reading of young children’s mathematics learning. In L. D. English & T. Barkatsas (Eds.), Teaching and learning early number (pp. 13–30). Springer. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-030-28040-1_2
  6. Mertens, D. M. (2023). Research and evaluation in education and psychology: Integrating diversity with quantitative, qualitative, and mixed methods (6th ed.). SAGE Publications.
  7. Moodley, T., & Essien, A. A. (2023). Exploring the development of early multiplication concepts in Grade 1 learners: A classroom-based study. South African Journal of Childhood Education, 13(1), a1312. https://doi.org/10.4102/sajce.v13i1.1312
  8. Nowell, L. S., Norris, J. M., White, D. E., & Moules, N. J. (2022). Thematic analysis: Striving to meet the trustworthiness criteria. International Journal of Qualitative Methods, 21, 1–13. https://doi.org/10.1177/16094069221113460
  9. Thanh, N. C., & Thanh, T. T. L. (2020). The Interconnection Between Interpretivist Paradigm and Qualitative Methods in Education. American Journal of Educational Science, 6(1), 24–27. https://doi.org/10.11648/j.ajes.20200601.14
  10. Vygotsky, L. S. (1978). Mind in society: The development of higher psychological processes (M. Cole, V. John-Steiner, S. Scribner, & E. Souberman, Eds.). Harvard University Press.

A solid understanding of multiplication concepts in the early years of schooling is essential for learners to thrive in Mathematics throughout their academic journey. Building this foundation in Grade 1 helps learners make sense of multiplication beyond just repeated addition and supports their ability to think critically and solve problems. This study aimed at exploring the teaching strategies for enhancing the understanding of multiplication concepts in Grade 1. The study followed a qualitative research approach, using Vygotsky’s Social Cultural Theory. The population of the study was all Grade 1 teachers teaching Mathematics. Purposive sampling was used to select six teachers across three schools in Soutpansberg West Circuit. Data was collected through semi-structured interviews and classroom observations. The data was transcribed and analysed using thematic analysis to identify themes. The findings provided insights into effective practices for introducing multiplication, common misconceptions learners face, and the challenges teachers encounter. The study contributed to the growing body of knowledge in early multiplication education and offered recommendations for improving teaching strategies and curriculum design to better support conceptual understanding in Grade 1.

Keywords : Division, Foundation Phase, Mathematics, Prepare Readiness, Repeated Addition.

CALL FOR PAPERS


Paper Submission Last Date
31 - January - 2026

Video Explanation for Published paper

Never miss an update from Papermashup

Get notified about the latest tutorials and downloads.

Subscribe by Email

Get alerts directly into your inbox after each post and stay updated.
Subscribe
OR

Subscribe by RSS

Add our RSS to your feedreader to get regular updates from us.
Subscribe