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A Comparison of Concrete and Virtual Manipulative Use in Third- and Fourth-Grade Mathematics. Barbara A. Burns Ellen M. Hamm. Purpose. Compare the effects of virtual (computer-based) and concrete (hands-on) manipulatives on student understanding of fractions and symmetry
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A Comparison of Concrete and Virtual Manipulative Use in Third- and Fourth-Grade Mathematics Barbara A. Burns Ellen M. Hamm
Purpose • Compare the effects of virtual (computer-based) and concrete (hands-on) manipulatives on student understanding of fractions and symmetry • Add to the research on the topic which is limited • Add clarity to the choice between concrete and virtual manipulatives
Existing Studies • Anisa (1999) • Students responded favorably to both & suggested combining them • Olkun (2003) • Virtual group improved slightly more • Younger kids did better concrete • Steen et al. (2006) • No statistical difference
Authors’ Study • 3rd graders • 102 • 4 groups • fractions • 4th graders • 54 • 3 groups • symmetry
Authors’ Results • Groups using both types of manipulatives showed improvement • The difference was not statistically significant • When asked about the experience, more students commented about enjoying the virtual more