EFFECTS OF A MULTI-SENSORY APPROACH ON GRADE 1 MATHEMATICS ACHIEVEMENT A Research Study by Joanne M. Bedard

Problem Math is an abstract concept for young children. What can we do to help them understand it according to their own learning preference style?

Recent literature states: Using representation leads to organized thinking Students who use manipulatives increase their performance and attitude in mathematics Knowledge is constructed from the student’s actions on the manipulatives, not the manipulatives themselves Teachers need to include at least three (3) basic learning modalities (auditory, visual, and tactile) in each teaching presentation to meet the needs of most students

Hypothesis First grade students taught addition through a multi-sensory approach will show higher mathematical achievement than those who are not taught through a multi-sensory approach.

Pretest-Posttest Design Control group consisted of 52 subjects (n=52) taught addition using a traditional approach for one week. Treatment group consisted of 58 subjects (n=58) taught addition using the TouchMath approach for one week.

Pretest

TouchMath Touchpoint Placement

Classroom Touchpoint Poster

Addition Statement I touch the largest number, say its name, and continue counting

Posttest

Control Group Mean Comparison

Treatment Group Mean Comparison

Control Posttest Control Pretest Treatment Pretest Treatment Posttest Mean Score Comparisons

Difference Between the Means ControlTreatment Difference between the means

t-Test Comparisons Groupst-test statisticLevel of significance Control0.0721No significant difference Treatment0.0084Significant difference

Hypothesis – Proven First grade students taught addition through a multi-sensory approach showed higher mathematical achievement than those who were not taught through a multi-sensory approach.

For more information about TouchMath wwww wwww wwww.... tttt oooo uuuu cccc hhhh mmmm aaaa tttt hhhh.... cccc oooo mmmm It really works!