Hands-On Manipulative in School

Paper Summary:

This paper reviews findings in literature stating that hands-on manipulatives are effective in the middle school mathematics classroom. The paper then reports that the findings are of limitations in the use of manipulatives and, specifically, in the misuse of the manipulatives in the classroom. The paper further emphasizes that teachers must be well-educated and trained in the use of manipulatives, whether concrete material or virtual manipulatives for use on the computer and the Web. The paper concludes that it is clear that the use of manipulatives in mathematical instruction and learning in combination with cooperative learning is the best practice for instructional methods in today's mathematics classroom.

Outline:
Objective
Introduction
Historical Perspective
Theories
Research Studies
Virtual Manipulatives
Limitations
Static and Dynamic
Algebra Manipulatives
Summary

From the Paper:

"The slide-rule is a manipulative that was used in early education in providing students with a hands-on application in mathematics. Hands-on manipulatives such as blocks, rods, bean sticks and other manipulatives have been historically used in the math classroom as an aid in teaching mathematics. The work of Clements (1999) entitled; 'Concrete Manipulatives, Concrete Ideas" published in the Journal of Contemporary Issues in Early Childhood states that: "The notion of 'concrete' from concrete manipulatives to pedagogical sequences such as 'concrete to abstract' is embedded in educational theories, research and practice, especially in mathematics education."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Boss, Suzie (2002) Looking for the Furrowed Brow: Helping math Strugglers Succeed. Targeting Learning with Differentiated Instruction. Math Science Journal. Vol. 3. No. 3. Spring 2002. Online available at: http://www.nwrel.org/msec/nwteacher/spring2002/looking.html.
• Canny, M.E. (1984). The relationship of manipulative materials to achievement in three areas of Fourth-Grade mathematics: computation, concept development, and poblem solving. Dissertation Abstracts International 45A (775-76).
• Clements, D. H. (1999). Concrete' manipulatives, concrete ideas. Contemporary Issues in Early Childhood, 1(1), 45-60. [Update online]. Available: http://www.gse.buffalo.edu/org/buildingblocks/Newsletters/Concrete_Yelland.htm
• Clements, D.H. (1999) Concrete manipulatives, concrete ideas, Contemporary Issues in Early Childhood. 1(1) 45-60. Online available at: http://www.triagle.co.uk/ciec/.
• Clements, D.H., & Battista, M.T. (1990). Constructive learning and teaching. The Aithmetic Teacher, 38, 34-35.

More papers on Hands-On Manipulative in School:

• Term Paper # 147388 : "Hands-On Social Studies Learning and Assessment"
• Admission Essay # 98235 : "Hands-On Learning"
• Research Proposal # 149799 : "Hands-On Skill Practice and Perceived Self-Efficacy"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: