Evaluating the Guided Math Program in an Early Primary Classroom

• In Event: 44.084 - Roundtable Session 18
  In Roundtable Session: 44.084-4 - Evaluation and Standards in Math and Science Through Teacher Research

Abstract

This action research project compared two different methods of teaching mathematics, the traditional approach as compared to the Guided Math approach, in a combined Grade 1/2 classroom. Students’ levels of achievement and engagement, and their attitudes and perceptions were collected throughout the instructional units using pretests and posttests, Likert-scale surveys, observational checklists and whole group open-ended interviews. Engagement was significantly higher in Guided Math than in the traditional math. The open-ended interviews illustrated that the students’ perceptions were predominantly negative towards traditional math, whereas their responses were predominately more positive towards Guided Math. However, neither approach was endorsed by all students.

Authors

• Sonja Kurkiniemi, Nesika Elementary School

• Elaine Radmer, Gonzaga University