Eric.ed.gov – Evaluation of the Effectiveness and Implementation of a Math Manipulatives Project.

This paper reports on a project to enrich high school algebra and geometry programs through the use of manipulatives. The evaluation design utilized qualitative and quantitative methodology to determine the effectiveness and impact of training with manipulatives on 40 high school teachers. The final evaluation was based on: (1) review of the program proposal; (2) participation in the planning process for the workshops with the project staff; (3) observation of the methodology of the trainers and provisions for participant involvement in each of the workshop sessions; (4) group discussion of classroom implementation strategies; (5) observation of the use of manipulatives in the participants’ classrooms; and (6) review of participants’ self-reports of student utilization and response to the manipulatives. The project was successful in addressing the stated objectives of the proposal through the techniques of well organized workshop training sessions, follow-up reporting and evaluation, and extended local training. The manipulatives are being used extensively, and student attitudes, participation, and performance have been enhanced. (MKR)