Effect of Using Mathematics Manipulatives on the Student’s Academic Achievement

Muhammad Zafar Iqbal, Jahan Ara Shams, Maria Nazir

Abstract


Mathematics has served as a base for many modern science and technology courses. In all academic disciplines, mathematics has played an essential role in learning and expanding the boundaries of existing knowledge. In this research study, the researcher examined the effect of using mathematics manipulatives on students’ academic achievement. A quasi-experimental, pretest/posttest research study with non-equivalent groups was used to examine the effect of using mathematical manipulatives on grade 3 students’ learning about numbers, fractions and geometry concepts. From district Abbottabad, the researcher selected two government primary schools on a convenient basis in the same locality. One school included control group students (32) who were taught with the traditional method and the other school included experimental group students (31) taught through mathematical manipulatives. Mathematics achievement of students was measured through the Achievement test. The test was comprised of 20 MCQs items measuring learning about numbers, fractions, and geometry. The duration of the experiment was four weeks. Mean, standard deviation, and independent t-test were used to analyze the post-test scores. An analysis of the results revealed a significant difference in mathematics achievement between the experimental and control groups on the posttest scores. This study offers information for teachers and students to use manipulatives in mathematics education. The study also recommended the curriculum developers to develop a mathematical kit containing manipulatives aligned with the textbook.

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References


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