The Impact of use of manipulates on the math scores of grade 2 students
- November 11, 2021
- Posted by: RSIS
- Categories: Education, IJRSI
International Journal of Research and Scientific Innovation (IJRSI) | Volume VIII, Issue X, October 2021 | ISSN 2321–2705
The Impact of use of manipulates on the math scores of grade 2 students
Abdallah Soma
Department of Basic Education Studies, Faculty of Education, University for Development Studies, Ghana
Abstract: This research report “The Impact of Use of manipulates on the math scores of grade 2 students” Liggett (2017) published in the Brock Education Journal is a quantitative research report. According to Leavy (2017), “quantitative research is characterised by deductive approaches to the research process aimed at proving, disproving, or lending credence to existing theories. This type of research involves measuring variables and testing relationships between variables to reveal patterns, correlations, or causal relationships. Researchers may employ linear methods of data collection and analysis that result in statistical data” p.9. Thus, the author of this journal under study (Liggett, 2017) adopted an experimental research design (which is deductive) to prove the hypothetical idea that “the use of manipulates can improve upon Grade 2 students’ mathematics scores”. (p.6). This study represented a true experimental design because of three factors namely manipulation, control, and randomization (Creswell, 2009). As such, the researcher used random selection to establish the treatment group and control school who are all Grade 2 students in a school in Northern Saskatchewan. He subjected the two groups to series of tests before and after his intervention (experiment) which saw the treatment group using mathematical manipulatives (plastic unifix cubes) for a specific period and the control group being denied the use of those manipulatives in Mathematics lessons.
I. INTRODUCTION
The researcher then analysed the numerical data he got through the various tests scores (pre-tests and post-tests) using “descriptive statistics to summarize the results with respect to the sample data including calculating the mean, mode, and range of the test results from Grade 2 students within the school. Inferential statistics were also utilised to look at the difference in comparing the outcome of using manipulatives across two groups (control and treatment) over a specific time (pre-test to a post-test). Additionally, relationships were observed by focusing on how one variable (using manipulatives) might relate to another (improved tests scores)” (Liggett, 2017, p.7).
1. The problem investigated in the study
Creswell (2012) defines a research problem as a general educational issue, concern, or controversy addressed in research that narrows the topic. The problem investigated in the article is “the extent to which the use of mathematical manipulatives improves test scores of Grade 2 students at a school in Saskatchewan?” (Liggett, 2017 p.89).
