Fraction Ball: Playful and Physically Active Fraction and Decimal Learning
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| Title: | Fraction Ball: Playful and Physically Active Fraction and Decimal Learning |
|---|---|
| Language: | English |
| Authors: | Bustamante, Andres S. (ORCID |
| Source: | Journal of Educational Psychology. Aug 2022 114(6):1307-1320. |
| Availability: | American Psychological Association. Journals Department, 750 First Street NE, Washington, DC 20002. Tel: 800-374-2721; Tel: 202-336-5510; Fax: 202-336-5502; e-mail: order@apa.org; Web site: http://www.apa.org |
| Peer Reviewed: | Y |
| Page Count: | 14 |
| Publication Date: | 2022 |
| Document Type: | Journal Articles Reports - Research |
| Education Level: | Elementary Education Grade 5 Intermediate Grades Middle Schools Grade 6 |
| Descriptors: | Play, Physical Activities, Fractions, Arithmetic, Mathematics Education, Grade 5, Grade 6, Elementary School Students, Physical Education, Instructional Effectiveness, Teaching Methods |
| Geographic Terms: | California |
| DOI: | 10.1037/edu0000714 |
| ISSN: | 0022-0663 1939-2176 |
| Abstract: | This study tested a novel approach to capitalizing on the benefits of play for informal math learning. Two experiments evaluated a platform called "Fraction Ball," that provides an embodied, playful, and physically active learning experience by modifying the lines on a basketball court to support rational number learning. In the Pilot Experiment, 69 fifth-sixth graders were randomly assigned to play a set of four different Fraction Ball games or attend normal physical education (PE) class and completed rational number pretests and posttests. After strategic improvements to expand the intervention, the same protocol was implemented in the Efficacy Experiment with 160 fourth-sixth graders. Playing Fraction Ball for four PE class periods (Pilot Experiment) improved students' ability to convert fractions to decimals. Playing a revised version of six different Fraction Ball games for six PE class periods (Efficacy Experiment) significantly improved children's rational number understanding as reflected by higher scores in overall accuracy, with positive impacts on several subtests. Fraction Ball represents a low-cost, highly scalable intervention that promotes math learning in a fun and engaging approach. |
| Abstractor: | As Provided |
| Entry Date: | 2023 |
| Accession Number: | EJ1372708 |
| Database: | ERIC |
| Abstract: | This study tested a novel approach to capitalizing on the benefits of play for informal math learning. Two experiments evaluated a platform called "Fraction Ball," that provides an embodied, playful, and physically active learning experience by modifying the lines on a basketball court to support rational number learning. In the Pilot Experiment, 69 fifth-sixth graders were randomly assigned to play a set of four different Fraction Ball games or attend normal physical education (PE) class and completed rational number pretests and posttests. After strategic improvements to expand the intervention, the same protocol was implemented in the Efficacy Experiment with 160 fourth-sixth graders. Playing Fraction Ball for four PE class periods (Pilot Experiment) improved students' ability to convert fractions to decimals. Playing a revised version of six different Fraction Ball games for six PE class periods (Efficacy Experiment) significantly improved children's rational number understanding as reflected by higher scores in overall accuracy, with positive impacts on several subtests. Fraction Ball represents a low-cost, highly scalable intervention that promotes math learning in a fun and engaging approach. |
|---|---|
| ISSN: | 0022-0663 1939-2176 |
| DOI: | 10.1037/edu0000714 |
