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Visible Learning™
Visible Learning MetaX™
Version 1.4 – Updated February 2026

Manipulative materials on math

Overview

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

Evidence

  • Number of meta-analyses: 8
  • Number of studies: 295
  • Number of students: 13,928
  • Number of effects: 610
  • Weighted mean effect size: 0.34
  • Robustness index: 4

Meta-Analyses

Meta-Analyses
Journal Title Author Article Name Year Published Variable Number of Studies Number of Students Number of Effects Effect Size
Effective School Practices Fischer & Tarver Meta-analysis of studies of mathematics curricula designed around big ideas 1997 Videodisc math 7 277 22 1.01
Dissertation Domino 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
Journal of Educational Psychology Carbonneau, Marley & Selig A meta-analysis of the efficacy of teaching mathematics with concrete manipulatives 2013 Manipulative materials 55 7,237 55 0.37
Dissertation LeNoir The effects of manipulatives in mathematics instruction in grades K-college: a meta-analysis of thirty years of research 1989 Manipulative materials 45 NA 135 0.19
Journal for Research in Mathematics Education Sowell Effects of manipulative materials in mathematics instruction 1989 Manipulative materials 60 NA 138 0.19
Dissertation Parham A meta-analysis of the sue of manipulative materials and student achievement in elementary school mathematics 1983 Manipulative materials 64 NA 171 0.53
Dissertation Sutawidjaja Manipulative materials in early number instruction: A meta-analysis review 1988 Manipulative materials 19 NA 40 0.00
Dissertation Holmes Effects of Manipulative Use on PK-12 Mathematics Achievement: A Meta-Analysis 2013 Manipulative materials 14 1,126 14 0.22
TOTAL/AVERAGE 295 13,928 610 0.38
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