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WGU D180 Task 4 |Passed on First Attempt
|Latest Update with Complete Solution
Determining Research and Data Analysis Methods
Angela Taylor
MSCIN Program, Western Governors University
D180: Educational Research
June 10, 2025
Research Topic
My topic is how manipulatives can positively impact student growth. Manipulatives are
hand-held objects that represent a number when working with math. Manipulatives can also
be virtual online apps or programs that can assist students in reaching success. Manipulatives
can be used in whole-group and small-group instruction. The use of manipulatives in
intervention programs can help those students who are struggling to grasp mathematical
concepts. This will provide a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts for students and
teachers in elementary school. This topic is important to elementary education because
education aims to provide students with a better understanding of mathematics and deepen
their knowledge and understanding of the content. A solid foundation in the early grades is
essential for middle and high school success. Students who lack foundational math skills in the
early grades are more likely to continuously struggle in the higher grade levels (Satsangi &
Raines, 2023). As an experienced educator, I want to prepare students as much as possible to
set them up for success. Math concepts must be understood and applied, not just memorized.
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For this to occur, students need a solid foundation in all aspects of mathematical computation
and concepts. Using manipulatives has been proven to assist students in providing a deeper
understanding, not just a “hands-on” learning experience (Furman, 2017). Having experience
with manipulatives, it is important to incorporate them into lessons to enhance student
learning and achieve higher performance among students.
Problem Statement
Students at my school struggle with mathematical concepts. A possible impact of this
problem is that students are not able to reach grade-level standards. This phenomenon could
be caused by teachers not having the opportunity to attend training to learn strategies such as
the use of manipulatives in small groups that are designed to foster understanding of complex
math concepts.
Capstone Research
My project will be to complete an applied research project and create a professional
development program focused on math manipulatives in the classroom.
Justification of Capstone
I will create a professional development program that is focused on using math
manipulatives to better support the understanding of mathematical concepts taught in grades
3-5. Several teachers in my school are new to the profession or inexperienced with the best
teaching practices in math. Professional development and guidance will provide them with the
knowledge and support needed to choose manipulatives to implement into the curriculum
appropriately. Just teaching steps or a process without a deeper understanding will not lead
students to long-term success. All teachers will be expected to attend and complete this
WGU D180 Task 4 |Passed on First Attempt
|Latest Update with Complete Solution
Determining Research and Data Analysis Methods
Angela Taylor
MSCIN Program, Western Governors University
D180: Educational Research
June 10, 2025
Research Topic
My topic is how manipulatives can positively impact student growth. Manipulatives are
hand-held objects that represent a number when working with math. Manipulatives can also
be virtual online apps or programs that can assist students in reaching success. Manipulatives
can be used in whole-group and small-group instruction. The use of manipulatives in
intervention programs can help those students who are struggling to grasp mathematical
concepts. This will provide a deeper understanding of mathematical concepts for students and
teachers in elementary school. This topic is important to elementary education because
education aims to provide students with a better understanding of mathematics and deepen
their knowledge and understanding of the content. A solid foundation in the early grades is
essential for middle and high school success. Students who lack foundational math skills in the
early grades are more likely to continuously struggle in the higher grade levels (Satsangi &
Raines, 2023). As an experienced educator, I want to prepare students as much as possible to
set them up for success. Math concepts must be understood and applied, not just memorized.
, 2
For this to occur, students need a solid foundation in all aspects of mathematical computation
and concepts. Using manipulatives has been proven to assist students in providing a deeper
understanding, not just a “hands-on” learning experience (Furman, 2017). Having experience
with manipulatives, it is important to incorporate them into lessons to enhance student
learning and achieve higher performance among students.
Problem Statement
Students at my school struggle with mathematical concepts. A possible impact of this
problem is that students are not able to reach grade-level standards. This phenomenon could
be caused by teachers not having the opportunity to attend training to learn strategies such as
the use of manipulatives in small groups that are designed to foster understanding of complex
math concepts.
Capstone Research
My project will be to complete an applied research project and create a professional
development program focused on math manipulatives in the classroom.
Justification of Capstone
I will create a professional development program that is focused on using math
manipulatives to better support the understanding of mathematical concepts taught in grades
3-5. Several teachers in my school are new to the profession or inexperienced with the best
teaching practices in math. Professional development and guidance will provide them with the
knowledge and support needed to choose manipulatives to implement into the curriculum
appropriately. Just teaching steps or a process without a deeper understanding will not lead
students to long-term success. All teachers will be expected to attend and complete this
