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Mathematics

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

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Developing Motivation Of Adolescent Mathematics Students Through Instructional Choice, Todd K. Hunter Apr 2021

Developing Motivation Of Adolescent Mathematics Students Through Instructional Choice, Todd K. Hunter

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Maintaining student motivation in mathematics increases the likelihood of long-term academic success. A key component to building motivation is having perceived control over a task. Students who maintain perceived control exhibit greater task engagement, motivation, and exhibit lower levels of stress and anxiety in that task (Bandura, 1989; Schunk, 2012; Skinner, 1990). This six-week study investigated the relationship between student choice and motivation in mathematics instruction, by affording students an individual choice of their instructor in their mathematics course. A quasi-experimental pretest-posttest two group design was implemented using a sample of Integrated Mathematics II high school students. Student motivation to …


Mathematical Perceptions: Changing Mindsets In Elementary School Classrooms, Marissa M. Bartelt May 2019

Mathematical Perceptions: Changing Mindsets In Elementary School Classrooms, Marissa M. Bartelt

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

In classrooms throughout the country, you can hear students moan about the difficulty in learning mathematics. This senior capstone examines the students’ mindsets about mathematics in Monterey County through the use of literature review, classroom observations, and interview with teachers. The findings reveal that students’ mindsets can be changed over time if teachers have the right tools and appropriate training to help students.


Beneficial Or Not: Flipped Learning In An Elementary Mathematics Classroom, Nicole Jackson Apr 2019

Beneficial Or Not: Flipped Learning In An Elementary Mathematics Classroom, Nicole Jackson

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

The Flipped Classroom is becoming a more frequently used instructional strategy in many secondary and collegiate classrooms. However, there are few studies done in elementary classroom settings that have implemented the flipped classroom approach to instruction. Research suggests that flipped classes have a positive impact on student learning and assessment outcomes. This study examined the impact of flipped classroom on second grade students' mathematics achievement. The study used a two group, quasi-experimental, pre-test/ post-test design. 46 second grade students in two classes of 23; one control- traditional instruction and one experimental- flipped classroom instruction, were engaged in a four-week intervention. …


Examining The Effect Of Flipped Learning On English Language Learner Mathematics Achievement, Kimberlee Margosian Apr 2018

Examining The Effect Of Flipped Learning On English Language Learner Mathematics Achievement, Kimberlee Margosian

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

English Language Learners (ELLs) are falling behind in mathematics according to the new standardized tests that assess mastery of the Common Core State Standards (Smarter Balanced Test Results, 2017). Simultaneously, flipped learning models have gained momentum in the past decade. Recent studies have found this pedagogical shift to be promising in improving achievement if implemented correctly (Bhagat, Chang, & Chang, 2016; Hung, 2015, Lai & Hwang, 2016; Tawfik & Lilly, 2015; Zengin, 2016). This study used a pre- and post-test quantitative quasi-experimental design to compare the achievement of a mathetmatics standard between the treatment group (n = 30), who received …


Multiplication Automaticity For Students With Learning Disabilities, Sandra G. Barton Apr 2018

Multiplication Automaticity For Students With Learning Disabilities, Sandra G. Barton

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Students with learning disabilities (LDs) often struggle to learn and maintain multiplication automaticity. This research looked at using the computer-based instruction (CBI) program, XtraMath, as an intervention to increase multiplication automaticity for students with LDs. Five fifth-grade students who have math goals stated in their Individual Education Plans (IEPs) were participants in this study. A multiple-baseline-across-participants single-case AB design was conducted to determine the impact XtraMath had on automaticity of multiplication facts (0-9) shown by digits correct per minute (DC/M). Each participant entered the intervention phase (i.e., phase B) separately and provided hard data by completing a two-minute, pencil and …


Algebra Tiles Effect On Mathematical Achievement Of Students With Learning Disabilities, Suncere Castro Apr 2017

Algebra Tiles Effect On Mathematical Achievement Of Students With Learning Disabilities, Suncere Castro

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Decreasing the mathematical learning gap between students with disabilities and their neurotypical peers has been a priority for educators and researchers for years. Teachers require an easily implemented intervention to improve students’ comprehension of algebraic concepts. Algebra tiles are an intervention that has been frequently used to improve students’ understanding of abstract math concepts. This study used a quasi-experimental design with a pre- and post-test to examine the impact of algebra tiles on students’ understanding of distributive property and evaluating expressions. The treatment group received direct instruction and algebra tiles for a five-week period. Independent and paired samples t-tests were …


Growth Mindset And Its Effect On Math Achievement, Jessica L. W. Baker Apr 2017

Growth Mindset And Its Effect On Math Achievement, Jessica L. W. Baker

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Increasing mathematical skills in third graders is essential, as 55% of third graders in California tested below proficient in math on the standardized statewide test. Studies have shown that students with a growth mindset perform better in math. In this study, the hypothesis was that third-grade students who had been taught to have a growth mindset would perform better on math tests. This quantitative quasi-experimental study attempted to explicitly teach a growth mindset to third graders through ClassDojo lessons to replace a fixed mindset with a growth mindset. The sample was 42 third grade students, of which 24 students received …


The Effects Of Using Geogebra On Student Achievement In Secondary Mathematics, Ashley Rose Martinez Apr 2017

The Effects Of Using Geogebra On Student Achievement In Secondary Mathematics, Ashley Rose Martinez

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

According to the National Assessment of Educational Progress (NAEP), in 2010 approximately 30% of 12th grade United States (U.S.) students were proficient or advanced in mathematics, 38% were basic in mathematics, and 32% were below basic (NCES, 2013). The U.S. adopted the curricula of higher performing nations through the Common Core State Standards (CCSS). The CCSS for mathematics advises teachers to integrate technology into the classroom as a manipulative to help students engage in high-level mathematical concepts. The purpose of this study was to determine if integrating GeoGebra, an iPad application, would have a positive effect on student …


Impact Of Computer Assisted Instruction On Achievement In Seventh Grade Mathematics, Brenda Valencia Apr 2016

Impact Of Computer Assisted Instruction On Achievement In Seventh Grade Mathematics, Brenda Valencia

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Increasing mathematical skills in American students has been a top priority. To increase these skills, an effective and easy to implement intervention is sought. Computer Assisted Instruction (CAI) is frequently used as an intervention with promising results. MobyMax, a CAI application was used in this study. This study used two groups and a pretest/posttest to compare students’ achievement scores. The control group (n=28) received traditional Direct Instruction (DI) and the treatment group (n=29) received CAI through MobyMax. Independent sample t-tests were completed to determine the difference in student achievement scores. The results suggest the use of MobyMax increased student achievement …


Incorporating Literacy Strategies In High School Courses: Implications For Implementing Common Core Standards, Bethlehem Cayetano Apr 2015

Incorporating Literacy Strategies In High School Courses: Implications For Implementing Common Core Standards, Bethlehem Cayetano

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

With increased attention to critical thinking and problem solving required by the Common Core State Standards, secondary math teachers face challenges in regards to integrating literacy skills into the math curriculum. Without an infusion of literacy skills students will be unable to handle the conceptual requirements mandated by the new standards. The study will apply two different literacy strategies in a mathematics secondary classroom setting in which students will be surveyed in order to see if they found the literacy strategies effective in helping them communicate their mathematical ideas both orally and written. The study will attempt to ascertain what …


The Gender Gap In Math – Incorporating Gender Equity In The High School Mathematics Classroom, Ryan Sullivan Apr 2015

The Gender Gap In Math – Incorporating Gender Equity In The High School Mathematics Classroom, Ryan Sullivan

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Researchers have been analyzing the difference in performance between female and male math students since it was first documented in the 1950s. The issue of male students disproportionately outperforming their female counterparts, also known as the math gender gap, has been studied extensively over the last few decades with researchers attempting to understand what contributes to math gender gaps and how they can be closed. This study examined the current state of the math gender gap, how teachers incorporate gender equity into their practices, and the attitudes and beliefs of students in relation to math by conducting a three-part classroom …


Making It Add Up : An Examination Of The Preparation Of Undergraduates To Teach Mathematics At Csumb, Erin Barnes Jan 2011

Making It Add Up : An Examination Of The Preparation Of Undergraduates To Teach Mathematics At Csumb, Erin Barnes

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

Elementary teachers’ lack of conceptual knowledge negatively affects their confidence, beliefs and teaching ability. The implementation of earlier exposure to teaching mathematics in the undergraduate career can benefit the pre-service teacher’s future career by giving them the opportunity to examine their beliefs and attitudes towards math and gain confidence in their teaching. Interviews were conducted with teachers at California State University Monterey Bay who instruct Math 308 and Math 309 as well as a professor at the credential program. These interviews gave insight into the goals of the classes, the effectiveness of the classes and the teachers’ thoughts and opinions …


Cognitively Guided Instruction (Cgi) For Mathematics At The Elementary School Level, Henry, Cho Jan 2005

Cognitively Guided Instruction (Cgi) For Mathematics At The Elementary School Level, Henry, Cho

Capstone Projects and Master's Theses

This Senior Capstone project investigates the approach to teaching elementary school mathematics known as Cognitively Guided Instruction, or CGI. It addresses questions surrounding CGIś origin, development, effectiveness, and additional benefits stemming from its implementation. Furthermore, topics such as the differences between CGI and traditional math instruction and the multiple ways that CGI alters the way that teachers instruct their students in mathematics are explored.