Math Forum Discussions

Someguy

Posts: 1
Registered: 7/31/05

Critical Issues concerning Manipulative use in mathematics
Posted: Jul 28, 2005 2:41 PM

Plain Text

Hi. I'm a student currently completely a teacher certification
program. Looking for a bit of direction and help concerning one of my
papers.

I have to write a paper about the issues surrounding the use of
manipulatives in mathematics. In particular, the difficulties,
disadvantages, and problems associated with them.

Up to this point, I'm having trouble finding credible papers and
research around these topics. Most of what I have found is mostly
opinions and personal views.

Can anyone offer some help. The subtopics that I'm interested include,
but are not limited too:

- Does the use of manipulatives in the classroom limit parental
invovlement in the home?

- Does their use slow the pace of the class or lower the subject level?
How does this affect the advanced and struggling students?

- Is dependence upon manipulatives a problem? Are there issues around
translation to 'pencil and paper' math?

- How well does the use of manipulatives prepare students for
post-secondary education?

Any resources, sources, opinions, or ideas to this post would be
greatly appreciated.

Thanks

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