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Visible Learning™
Visible Learning MetaX™
Version 1.3 – Updated November 2024

Manipulative materials on math

Overview

  • Influence: Manipulative materials on math
  • Domain: Curricula
  • Sub-Domain: Math and sciences
  • Potential to Accelerate Student Achievement: Potential to accelerate
  • Influence Definition: Manipulatives are physical objects that student use to better understand content ideas and abstract concepts.

Evidence

  • Number of meta-analyses: 9
  • Number of studies: 368
  • Number of students: 22,983
  • Number of effects: 683
  • Weighted mean effect size: 0.38
  • Robustness index: 4

Meta-Analyses

Meta-Analyses
Journal Title Author First Author's Country Article Name Year Published Variable Number of Studies Number of Students Number of Effects Effect Size
Effective School Practices Fischer & Tarver USA Meta-analysis of studies of mathematics curricula designed around big ideas 1997 Videodisc math 7 277 22 1.01
Dissertation LeNoir USA The effects of manipulatives in mathematics instruction in grades K-college: a meta-analysis of thirty years of research 1989 Manipulative materials 45 0 135 0.19
Journal for Research in Mathematics Education Sowell USA Effects of manipulative materials in mathematics instruction 1989 Manipulative materials 60 0 138 0.19
Dissertation Parham USA A meta-analysis of the sue of manipulative materials and student achievement in elementary school mathematics 1983 Manipulative materials 64 0 171 0.53
Dissertation Domino USA The Effects of Physical Manipulatives on Achievement in Mathematics in Grades K-6: A Meta-Analysis 2010 Manipulative materials 31 5,288 35 0.50
Dissertation Sutawidjaja USA Manipulative materials in early number instruction: A meta-analysis review 1988 Manipulative materials 19 0 40 0.00
IAFOR Journal of Education Sokolowski USA The Effects of Mathematical Modelling on Students' Achievement-Meta-Analysis of Research 2015 Visual aids in math learning 73 9,055 73 0.53
Journal of Educational Psychology Carbonneau, Marley & Selig USA A meta-analysis of the efficacy of teaching mathematics with concrete manipulatives 2013 Manipulative materials 55 7,237 55 0.37
Dissertation Holmes USA Effects of Manipulative Use on PK-12 Mathematics Achievement: A Meta-Analysis 2013 Manipulative materials 14 1,126 14 0.22
TOTAL/AVERAGE 368 22,983 683 0.39
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