Facts tests are a weekly event in my classroom even though I teach middle school mathematics. This surprises many of my colleagues, my students and their parents. Facts tests are usually not given after third or fourth grade, however I insist on these to build my students’ speed and accuracy. My experience throughout the years and through informal research shows children that can recall their facts quickly and accurately experience more success in class, both in class grades and standardized test scores especially in higher level courses.
My original goal was to find research to support rote memorization as an acceptable and successful method for learning mathematic facts. I planned to use brain research to help support this idea, however in this course I must incorporate technology and this required a bit of a shift on my part.
My goal will be to find research that supports technology-based games and activities to foster learning math facts to develop stronger and more confident students in mathematics. Therefore my research statement is:
I plan to determine if technology-based games increase skill levels and retention in remembering math facts based on achievement test scores.
Who: elementary and middle school students
What: technology-based games
Why: increase skill levels and retention of math facts
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Lori,
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your research! I know there are an abundance of math tutorials out there that are touted as being great for students to learn math facts. Are you planning to test your students for a baseline score, or will you rely on past achievement scores?
Many years ago I had multiplication and division fact cards called Holey Cards. The object was speed and accuracy. My students loved trying to beat their own best scores. I would imagine there are online sites that do the same thing. It might make your task easier.
I'm not teaching mathematics this year, but I will forward you any info that I do stumble across. What grade levels do you teach? I teach 8th grade in an under performing K-8 school, and 2/3 of the eighth graders are taking algebra readiness because they are not ready for grade level algebra. Their inability to read is burying them.
I have taught math at all grade levels from 4th through 8th grade over the years. The district has tried manipulatives, games, songs, just about everything under the sun, except they seem reluctant to force rote memorization until number sense kicks in.
Good luck,
Allan
Lori,
ReplyDeleteI am in agreement with you students who know their basic math facts. I beleive students who know their facts can focus on the concept being taught, they do not have to worry about what 6 times 8 is because they know. As the technology teacher I have found many "fun" minute math sites for the students to play. The students love doing minute math, they are trying to beat their previous score and yes they are trying to beat their friend, but we are all learning together.
Good luck with your project.
Jennifer Hardy
Lori,
ReplyDeleteI think your research statement is a great one. I know you were wanting to include the brain research in there, but I bet you will still find what you are looking for as you research your technology games.
I will keep my eyes open for resources that might be helpful for you.
~Stephanie
Thanks guys! I did want to include the brain research because of exactly what Allan comments on. Districts and education leaders do not want the rote memorization but what I have found in the little bit of research I have started reading since the Fast ForWord information a few months ago, rote memorization is not wrong for the way the students have to know their facts.
ReplyDeleteI am hoping to find some good research to promote using those "drill and kill" type websites that help promote rote memory as well as interactive activities to help improve the students understanding of the multiplication.
Allan you have me a little worried about using my own students to study. I was thinking we were looking for research to support us, not actually doing the research! I guess I should be looking back at the requirements a little more.
I appreciate everyone's support and look forward to this being a great group!
LORI POWERS
Lori,
ReplyDeleteI was never a good math student. Perhaps games would have helped. Or would they? I might have at least been more interested. I am interested to see what you find in your research.
-Tricia
Lori
ReplyDeleteMy favorite way to learn math was to make it a game or challenge. It wasn't simply a math problem but a puzzle. If you put math puzzles and mix in video games such as Brain Age 1 & 2, I get the best of both worlds. I also know that to do well on those games/puzzles I need to know my math facts.
Good luck to you on your research. I will help in anyway possible.
Luis