g whether findings generalize to older student groups.
The study also has practical significance. If findings are significant, middle school teachers could utilize the manipulatives, methods and previously developed program in their eighth grade classrooms. Moreover, if subject variables are found to be interrelated to the efficacy of the developed program, this information would help eighth grade teachers to identify those students who are most likely to benefit from the developed program as well as those most likely to have difficulties with the program. Steps could then be taken to help those at-risk for program failure.
While there has not been a great deal of research on middle school level children and the efficacy of manipulatives for mathematics learning, one excellent publication involving mathematics learning and manipulatives has been developed by the Texas Education Agency (1994). The purpose of the document is to assist tea
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