Comic strip-based Learning Module as Tool in Teaching Mathematics Among Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL)

Aim: The primary objective of the study was to develop a contextualized Mathematics comic strip-based learning module titled MathComStrip to support the teaching and learning of Mathematics among Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDL) enrolled in the Secondary Program under the Alternative Learning System (ALS) in Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Trece Martires City, Cavite, Philippines.Specifically, the study aimed to asses the developed learning module relative to content validity, practicality, and acceptability.The study also sought to determine the effectiveness of the MathComStrip based on the performance of PDL students before and after utilizing the developed learning module.Methodology: ADDIE (Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation and Evaluation) model was employed to develop the contextualized Mathematics comic strip-based learning module.Also, a quantitative type of research was employed to determine the validity, practicality and acceptability of the MathComStrip.A total of 41 ALS Teachers and 64 Jail Officer-Teachers from the five provinces in Region IV-A participated in the study.The study also utilized a quasi-experimental type of research specifically the pretest-posttest design to measure the effectiveness of the MathComStrip.Here, 13 PDL students enrolled in Secondary Program under the ALS were given a researcher-made test which contains lessons in Basic Mathematics and Arithmetic.Mean, weighted mean, standard deviation, dependent t-test, Hake's <g> and Cohen's d were used to analyze the data gathered.Results: MathComStrip is a contextualized learning module in Mathematics developed as a tool in teaching PDL students.The learning module includes lessons under the ALS K-12 Basic Education Curriculum's Learning Strand 3 which covers problem solving skills.The module contains lessons in Arithmetic and Geometric sequence and series; designed in a setting familiar to PDL students with themes in real-life contexts.Lessons are organized to encouraged critical thinking and are delivered in a conversational tone, making learning of Mathematics engaging.Also, the module promotes inclusivity by involving Christian and non-Christian characters.After developing the module, it was evaluated and results showed that MathComStrip was very valid in terms of its content, aligned to ALS K-12 Curriculum; very practical as it promotes active learning; and very acceptable in terms of the language used, graphic design and clarity of instruction.Results also showed that there is significant difference on the performance of PDL students before and after utilizing the MathComStrip.Finally, it was found out that MathComStrip is effective in teaching Mathematics among PDL students and posit a very large effect size to the students' mathematics performance. . Conclusion:MathComStrip is an effective and inclusive learning module for teaching Mathematics to PDL students.It demonstrated strong content validity, practicality, and acceptability, while significantly improving students' performance.With a medium normalized gain and a very large effect size, MathComStrip proves to be a valuable tool in alternative learning settings.