The Use of Manipulative Materials and Models

The NCTM Standards stress the importance of having students use manipulative materials. Research indicates that lessons using manipulative materials have a higher probability of producing greater mathematical achievement than do lessons without such materials (Sowell l989; Suydam and Higgins l977). Handling the materials appears to help children construct mathematical ideas and retain them. When planning a lesson involving manipulatives, Ross and Kurtz (l993, p.256) suggest that the teacher be certain that:

• Manipulatives have been chosen to support the lesson's objectives.

• Significant plans have been made to orient students to the manipulatives and corresponding classroom procedures.

• The lesson involves the active participation of each student.

• The lesson plan includes procedures for evaluation that reflect an emphasis on the development of reasoning skills.

In addition, teachers should plan lessons and activities that increasingly allow students to take responsibility with respect to choice and appropriateness of a particular model or manipulative for a given problem situation.

References