Browsing by Subject "Middle school math"

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    Effects of a digital fabrication project on student skills and attitude in a middle school math classroom
    (2020-05-09) Willmann, Amanda Evetts; Resta, Paul E.; Liu, Min; Riegle-Crumb, Catherine; Smith, Shaunna
    This dissertation study investigated the effects of a digital fabrication project in a regular middle school math classroom. Seventh grade students in the intervention group participated in a 3-day digital fabrication project in which they digitally designed a cube and rectangular prism in 2D format using Silhouette Studio software, then cut those designs using a Silhouette Cameo paper/vinyl cutting machine. Students then physically constructed 3D shapes out of their 2D designs. This study sought to understand if students’ visual spatial reasoning abilities, mathematics learning, or interest in mathematics were affected after participation in a digital fabrication project. The mixed methods approach included pre and post Revised Purdue Spatial Visualization Tests: Visualization of Rotations (PSVT:R) scores, geometry unit test scores, math interest and math self-efficacy scores from pre and post project student surveys, a semi-structured interview with the participating teacher, student artifacts and researcher observations. This study illustrated that it is possible to implement a digital fabrication project in a regular middle school mathematics classroom to teach current curricular standards. Although not statistically significant, students in the intervention group (n = 16) showed a slight increase in visual spatial reasoning abilities, in comparison to peers (n = 53) who did not participate in the project, after only one experience with digital fabrication tools. During this project we observed an increase in student engagement, especially in students who often disengage at school. We also saw many students able to assume the role of teacher and peer mentor, assisting other students through the design and fabrication process. Although we were able to implement the digital fabrication project, it did require a lot of time, support, and technology, which is not always available to most teachers.