ERIC Number: EJ973332
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2012-Apr
Pages: 21
Abstractor: As Provided
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-0731-9258
EISSN: N/A
Making Sense of Integer Arithmetic: The Effect of Using Virtual Manipulatives on Students' Representational Fluency
Bolyard, Johnna; Moyer-Packenham, Patricia
Journal of Computers in Mathematics and Science Teaching, v31 n2 p93-113 Apr 2012
This study investigated how the use of virtual manipulatives in integer instruction impacts student achievement for integer addition and subtraction. Of particular interest was the influence of using virtual manipulatives on students' ability to create and translate among representations for integer computation. The research employed a quasi-experimental pretest-posttest design. Ninety-nine sixth-grade students participated over a four-week period. Six classes were randomly assigned to one of three treatment groups. Students increased in integer computation achievement and demonstrated facility with pictures and written representations. Students had more difficulty creating symbolic representations and making connections among this and other representational forms. (Contains 2 tables and 2 figures.)
Descriptors: Mathematics Achievement, Numbers, Mathematics Instruction, Mathematics Skills, Manipulative Materials, Arithmetic, Pretests Posttests, Grade 6, Comparative Analysis, Symbols (Mathematics), Educational Technology, Computer Uses in Education, Middle Schools
Association for the Advancement of Computing in Education. P.O. Box 1545, Chesapeake, VA 23327. Tel: 757-366-5606; Fax: 703-997-8760; e-mail: info@aace.org; Web site: http://www.aace.org
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Grade 6; Middle Schools
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A