Saint Mary’s University (SMU) proudly recognizes Dr. Melanie G. Sarmiento, Director of the University Research Center, and Dr. Ella Tricia M. Aquino, an SMU alumna, CBPSME scholar, and current academic affiliate of Kalinga State University, Tabuk City, Kalinga, for their collaborative research publication entitled “Development of an Instructional Module in Mathematics in the Modern World Utilizing Design Thinking Approach,” published in The Palawan Scientist, a Scopus-indexed Q4 journal.

The study focused on developing an instructional module for the subject Mathematics in the Modern World using the design thinking approach. Using a sequential research design with 134 students and 10 mathematics instructors at a Philippine university, the researchers examined students’ learning difficulties and identified instructional needs, particularly in problem-solving strategies.

Adopting the design thinking model adapted from IDEO, the researchers systematically explored learning needs, proposed an instructional module, organized relevant findings and evidence for its development, and established the content validity of the developed material. The study recommends proceeding to Phase 2 validation and assessing the module’s effectiveness through actual student utilization.

This collaborative publication highlights the importance of research-driven instructional innovation in addressing learning difficulties and improving mathematics education. It also demonstrates how research partnerships bring together institutional expertise, graduate education, and alumni engagement to develop meaningful solutions to teaching and learning challenges.

SMU congratulates Dr. Sarmiento and Dr. Aquino on this scholarly achievement. Their collaboration reflects the University’s commitment to research excellence, instructional innovation, and the development of evidence-based educational resources. It also highlights the continuing contributions of SMU alumni to research and academic advancement across higher education institutions.

Article Citation

Aquino, E. T. M., & Sarmiento, M. G. (2026). Development of an instructional module in mathematics in the modern world utilizing design thinking approach. The Palawan Scientist, 18(2), in press. https://doi.org/10.69721/TPS.J.2026.18.2.06.

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Written by: University Research Center