engleski

Didactic Manipulatives in Primary Mathematics Education in Croatia

Didactic materials can be used to introduce abstract mathematical concepts. Various studies found positive effects of using manipulatives in mathematics teaching and learning. Teachers’ knowledge and attitudes towards manipulatives influence the profound and helpful implementation of manipulatives in the didactic process. There is a variety of ready-made and self-made manipulatives that can be utilized in mathematics education. Following that perspective, we questioned what role manipulatives play in Croatian primary education. For that purpose, we conducted research with teachers on the use of didactic materials in mathematics classroom teaching. Results showed that teachers use all sorts of manipulatives. They acknowledged the benefits of using manipulatives, and most of them claimed they used manipulatives often in the didactic process. However, some answers indicate there is a lack of knowledge about the characteristics of manipulatives and the implementation of manipulatives in the didactic process.

didactic manipulatives, mathematics teacher, primary mathematics education

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