Participants

Participants

Student experiences with manipulatives in upper elementary classrooms varies from teacher to teacher. Manipulatives Many teachers know manipulatives help students create a concrete understanding of abstract math concepts and are important in teaching students mathematics. However, teachers have admitted to shying away from manipulative use for various reasons. While using manipulatives in upper elementary math classrooms is vital to creating a strong foundation in mathematics, it is important to understand why teachers are not using manipulatives with their students in order to change their outlook on these math tools. 

To obtain insight into teacher experiences with manipulatives in upper elementary grades, six teachers from one elementary school in a suburban Kansas City, Missouri school district were surveyed and interviewed about their manipulative use and understanding of manipulatives. These teachers range in levels of teaching experience, as well as the college or university they attended for their education degree.  The teachers surveyed and interviewed are as follows*: 

Additionally, Ms. Grant and Ms. Hunter completed the survey, but neither was able to complete an interview. Their results are included in the survey, but not in the interview analysis portion. 

*(names have been changed to protect the privacy of the teachers involved)