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Article
Examining Pictorial Models and Virtual Manipulatives for Third-Grade Fraction Instruction
Journal of Interactive Online Learning
  • Patricia S. Moyer-Packenham, Utah State University
  • Lori A. Ulmer
  • Katie L. Anderson
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
1-1-2012
Abstract

The purpose of this study was to examine pictorial representations, whether in static or dynamic modalities, and their impact on student learning in a classroom with low-achieving students. The investigation emerged from a classroom teacher’s action research project. During a three-week fraction unit, nineteen third-grade low-achieving students participated in two groups – a Dynamic Virtual Manipulatives (DVM) group using virtual manipulatives, and a Static Pictorial Models (SPM) group using pictorial models. Students in both the DVM and SPM groups showed significant improvements between the pre- and post-tests of fraction concepts. Students’ visualization skills increased while using pictorial models, in both the static and dynamic modalities.

Citation Information
Moyer-Packenham, P. S., Ulmer, L. A., & Anderson, K. L. (2012). Examining pictorial models and virtual manipulatives for third-grade fraction instruction. Journal of Interactive Online Learning, 11(3), 103-120.