Developing Engaged and Effective "Doers" of Math: Cuisenaire Rods and Grade 5 Students' Multiplicative Thinking

• In Event: Sheraton Roundtable Session 16
  In Roundtable Session: Constructing Learning Opportunities Through Teacher Research

Abstract

National and provincial studies in Canada evaluating students’ mathematics skills demonstrated that local achievement was below average. The influence of using Cuisenaire rods on 25 Grade 5 students’ engagement and achievement in thinking multiplicatively was examined. Achievement was determined via a pre/post conceptual test and a timed math fact fluency test. Engagement was documented in a teacher journal and in pre/post student surveys. Cuisenaire rods were shown to increase students’ achievement, particularly in the topics of counting numbers in sets, patterns in numbers, and math fact fluency. As their teacher, I observed increased behavioural and emotional engagement in students.

Authors

• Katherine Conlin, Isabella Dicken Elementary School

• Elaine Radmer, Gonzaga University