The Effects Of Instructional Tools On The Mathematics Achievement Of Intermediate Algebra Students

Date of Graduation

Spring 2004

Degree

Master of Natural and Applied Science in Mathematics

Department

Mathematics

Committee Chair

Clyde Paul

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of instruction that utilize such tools as models and manipulatives, specifically algebra tiles, on college students' mathematics achievement in intermediate algebra courses. A quasi-experimental research design was used for this four-week study. The subjects of the study were studens in four sections at a state university. The data, acquired through a pretest and posttest, showed no significant difference between total scores of the experimental and control groups. However, the experimental group scored higher on seven out of eight posttest questions and scored significantly higher on two posttest questions relating to subtraction of polynomials and factoring a polynomial with a leading coefficient of one.

Keywords

models, manipulatives, algebra tiles, intermediate algebra, developmental algebra

Subject Categories

Mathematics

Copyright

© Deborah R. Kemp

Citation-only

Dissertation/Thesis

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