An Experiment on Mathematics Pedagogy

An Experiment on Mathematics Pedagogy
Author: Yixin Zhang
Publisher:
Total Pages: 20
Release: 2005
Genre:
ISBN:

The purpose of this study was to determine the effectiveness of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) versus traditional lecture-type instruction on triangles. Two quasi experiments were conducted in six 6th grade classes with a total of 108 students respectively. The students in the control groups were taught the concepts of triangles in their original classes, while the students in experimental groups were instructed in a computer lab. Experimental group students utilized Interactive Middle School Math Bundle, which is an interactive Webpage-typed tutorial. The tutorial, featuring descriptions, sound, animation and self-examination, allowed students to navigate and self-explore themselves. Independent-t was used to analyze the data. The analysis revealed that there was no statistically significant difference between the students' achievement in the control and experimental groups. The result implies that teachers could use computer-assisted instruction software only as a supplemental tool. Further research is recommended to examine effectiveness of computer-assisted instruction with an extended time span. (Contains 2 tables.).

A Comparison of the Effect of Computer-assisted-instruction and Same-age Peer-tutoring on Math Achievement of Fourth Grade Students

A Comparison of the Effect of Computer-assisted-instruction and Same-age Peer-tutoring on Math Achievement of Fourth Grade Students
Author: Elizabeth A. Pflug
Publisher:
Total Pages: 166
Release: 1987
Genre: Mathematics
ISBN:

A pretest-posttest design was used to compare the effectiveness of computer-assisted-instruction (CAI) drill and practice with the effectiveness of same-age peer-tutor drill and practice on promoting mastery of multiplication facts. The subjects were students from three, fourth grade classes in the Reedville School District of Aloha, Oregon. Two fourth grade classes were randomly assigned to two treatment groups: CAI and same-age peer-tutoring. A third class was designated as a control group. Students in the CAI group drilled on multiplication facts independently at a computer for 10 minutes per day for 25 days. Students in the same-age peer-tutor group tutored classmates using multiplication flashcards for 5 minutes and were tutored for an additional 5 minutes for a total of 10 minutes per day for 25 days. The control group received traditional math instruction consisting of daily, one-minute, mastery tests. Drill and practice was independent and self-paced. Treatment consisted of drill and practice on multiplication facts with multipliers 0-9 and multiplicands 6-9. The pretest and posttest were computer-constructed criterion tests consisting of randomly selected multiplication facts from the treatment set. Fifty-two students began the treatment. Forty-five students completed treatment and the posttest. Analysis of variance and Tukey's multiple comparison test showed a significant difference between the CAI group (x̄ = 48.00) and control group (x̄̄ = 67.60) on the pretest. However, on the posttest, analysis of covariance revealed no significant difference among the groups (p = .05). Therefore, the null hypotheses for the study were accepted. The hypotheses predicted there would be no significant difference between the groups' mean math scores on the posttest. Although the study did not identify either CAI or same-age peer-tutoring drill and practice as more effective than the other, it did show both strategies to be equally effective in promoting mastery of basic math facts. The adjusted group means were CAI: 93.97 and same-age peer-tutoring: 93.43. In finding the two strategies to be equally effective, the study identified same-age peer-tutoring as a cost-effective alternative to CAI drill and practice. The findings have implications for staff development, curriculum planning, and for teachers' selection of drill and practice strategies.

Mathematics Learning in Early Childhood

Mathematics Learning in Early Childhood
Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 399
Release: 2009-11-13
Genre: Education
ISBN: 0309147433

Early childhood mathematics is vitally important for young children's present and future educational success. Research demonstrates that virtually all young children have the capability to learn and become competent in mathematics. Furthermore, young children enjoy their early informal experiences with mathematics. Unfortunately, many children's potential in mathematics is not fully realized, especially those children who are economically disadvantaged. This is due, in part, to a lack of opportunities to learn mathematics in early childhood settings or through everyday experiences in the home and in their communities. Improvements in early childhood mathematics education can provide young children with the foundation for school success. Relying on a comprehensive review of the research, Mathematics Learning in Early Childhood lays out the critical areas that should be the focus of young children's early mathematics education, explores the extent to which they are currently being incorporated in early childhood settings, and identifies the changes needed to improve the quality of mathematics experiences for young children. This book serves as a call to action to improve the state of early childhood mathematics. It will be especially useful for policy makers and practitioners-those who work directly with children and their families in shaping the policies that affect the education of young children.

An Analysis and Comparison of the Effects of Computer-assisted Instruction Versus Traditional Lecture Instruction on Student Attitudes and Achievement in a College Remedial Mathematics Course

An Analysis and Comparison of the Effects of Computer-assisted Instruction Versus Traditional Lecture Instruction on Student Attitudes and Achievement in a College Remedial Mathematics Course
Author: Marthea Bernadette Carter
Publisher:
Total Pages: 338
Release: 2004
Genre: Academic achievement
ISBN:

Remedial mathematics courses are often taught at post-secondary institutions in response to the substantial number of students entering college who lack the skills and motivation necessary to be successful in college level mathematics courses. Much of the research on remedial mathematics instruction shows that it has been only moderately successful in improving the students' achievement in mathematics or their attitudes towards mathematics (Adelman, 1995; Burley, 1994; Wieschenberg, 1994). The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of web-based computer-assisted instruction (CAI) and traditional lecture-based instruction in a college remedial mathematics course. The remedial mathematics course was taught to two groups of college students, which included a treatment group that received CAI, and a control group that received traditional lecture instruction without the use of computers. The ALEKS (Assessment and Learning in Knowledge Spaces) web-based software program, was used in conjunction with lecture-based instruction for the treatment group. Mathematics achievement and student attitudes towards mathematics were assessed by means of pre- and post-tests administered at the beginning of the semester and again at the end of the semester. Student withdrawal rates and passing rates for the course were also compared for the two groups. The statistical analysis of the data compiled in this study included the use of paired and independent group t-tests, analysis of covariance, and z-tests. The paired t-test results showed that there were statistically significant achievement gains within the treatment and control groups as a result of the instruction that each group received. However the independent t-tests and the Analysis of Covariance (ANCOVA) revealed that there was no statistically significant difference in achievement gains between the two groups when the study ended. The paired t-test results on the attitude assessment showed no statistically significant difference within each group after the study was completed. In addition, the independent t-tests and the ANCOVA results showed no significant change in attitudes between the two groups when the experiment had been completed. The z-test analyses also showed no significant difference in the withdrawal or passing rates between the treatment and control groups.

Helping Children Learn Mathematics

Helping Children Learn Mathematics
Author: National Research Council
Publisher: National Academies Press
Total Pages: 53
Release: 2002-07-31
Genre: Education
ISBN: 0309131987

Results from national and international assessments indicate that school children in the United States are not learning mathematics well enough. Many students cannot correctly apply computational algorithms to solve problems. Their understanding and use of decimals and fractions are especially weak. Indeed, helping all children succeed in mathematics is an imperative national goal. However, for our youth to succeed, we need to change how we're teaching this discipline. Helping Children Learn Mathematics provides comprehensive and reliable information that will guide efforts to improve school mathematics from pre-kindergarten through eighth grade. The authors explain the five strands of mathematical proficiency and discuss the major changes that need to be made in mathematics instruction, instructional materials, assessments, teacher education, and the broader educational system and answers some of the frequently asked questions when it comes to mathematics instruction. The book concludes by providing recommended actions for parents and caregivers, teachers, administrators, and policy makers, stressing the importance that everyone work together to ensure a mathematically literate society.