The purpose of this study is to find out if meaningful educational activities and the use of a manipulative in those activities might have an impact on student achievement. Using manipulative as cognitive tools should improve the teaching and learning process, and encourage student reflections on retaining the information. It has been claimed that…

This article describes teachers working collaboratively to plan mathematics lessons in a technology-rich environment. Addressing the needs of their diverse students, in particular, English Language Learners and students with special needs, the authors discuss how a technology-rich learning environment influences critical features of the classroom.…

Young children often have difficulty with understanding money in a formal school setting, yet most mathematics textbooks are virtually identical in how they teach second graders about money and do not take into account the cognitive stages of children's development. This research examined the effectiveness of traditional and alternative classroom…

There are numerous teaching suggestions to offer in guiding pupils to greater achievement in mathematics. This paper suggests that the instructor should begin where the pupil is presently and observe what interests the pupil in learning. Different methods for teaching mathematics such as using blocks, beads, films, filmstrips or slides, a…

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effects of manipulatives on student achievement in a high school Algebra I class. The study was conducted during the third nine weeks grading period in the spring of 1997 at a high school in Lewisburg, West Virginia. The study groups used in the study were two Algebra I classes. One class had an…

The isometric grid geoboard can be used to demonstrate the nine-point circle theorem. (SD)

Attribute blocks are described, with suggestions for developing sets of attribute materials. Various activities and games are described and illustrated. (MNS)

Instruments have been used for centuries in mathematical experience and in the teaching tradition as well. One example is cultural instruments inherited from tradition (e.g., rulers, abaci, compasses, curve-drawing devices) that have followed or anticipated the theoretical development of mathematics. In this article, the authors analyze two cases…

This book provides elementary school teachers, physical education specialists, special education teachers, recreation leaders, and parents with some innovative ideas for construction and utilization of homemade playground equipment. Activities which have been found to be interesting to children and adaptable to large classes are suggested. The…

The establishment of a mathematics laboratory, staffed mainly by volunteer parents, is described. Later college student volunteers and a paid aide were added. Organization, training sessions, materials, problems, and evaluation are discussed. (LS)

Details and diagrams of apparatus for coordination, shape and color recognition, number work, matching, and other basic skills, constructed for use in elementary special education classes, are provided. (DT)

Four major types of games using two sets of materials (Logical Blocks and word cards) are described: free play with the materials; organization of materials; relations games; and classification by one, two, or three attributes simultaneously. (DT)

Teachers can use unit blocks as tools for directed learning activities, or blocks can be reserved for children's discovery learning experiences. To use unit blocks for discovery learning, children need adequate, protected space and sufficient, uninterrupted time. Given opportunities for free play with unit blocks, children progress through seven…

The results of a survey of elementary school teachers in North Dakota are reported, in a search for answers to two questions: (1) What manipulative materials are currently being used for mathematics instruction, and to what extent; and (2) Who is using them? A brief review of previous research indicated that the use of manipulative materials is…