AERA Features Innovative Research at Capitol Hill Exhibition
AERA Features Innovative Research at Capitol Hill Exhibition
 
Print
 
May 2015

AERA spotlighted groundbreaking research that has helped improve student achievement at the Coalition for National Science Funding’s (CNSF) 21st Annual Capitol Hill Exhibition on April 29.

New Mexico State University researchers Karin Wiburg and Karen Trujillo presented Math Snacks, which are educational animations, mini-games, and interactive tools that help mid-school learners better understand math concepts.  The Math Snacks project is funded by the National Science Foundation’s (NSF) Education and Human Resources Directorate (EHR).

Wiburg and Trujillo presented some of the findings from their research and implementation of Math Snacks in classrooms in a New Mexico district. A randomized control trial found that sixthgrade students showed significant gains in their understanding of key concepts when their teachers used the games for 8–12 days over a five-week period, as compared to students whose teachers used only the district curriculum.

Thirty-five scientific associations and universities participated in the CNSF exhibition, titled Investments in STEM Research & Education: Fueling American Innovation. The event attracted nearly 300 people, including nine members of Congress. Visitors to AERA’s booth included NSF Director France A. Cordova and Rep. Chaka Fattah (D-PA), ranking member of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Commerce, Science, Justice, and Related Agencies.

“As Congress undertakes reauthorization of the National Science Foundation, it is important to highlight the benefits of long-term, federal investment in fundamental research in all fields of science,” said AERA Executive Director Felice J. Levine. “The development and evaluation of Math Snacks could not have been done without first examining how students grasp mathematical concepts, and this overall work has led to improving students’ learning and retention.”


Karen Trujillo shows "Math Snacks" to
Rep. Chaka Fattah

Karin Wiburg discusses "Math Snacks" 

Executive Director Felice J. Levine (AERA); Karin Wiburg (New Mexico State University);
Karen Trujillo (New Mexico State University) 

 
 
Comments
Print
 
 
Share This
Print
@AERA_EdResearch
 
 
Comments
Print

Your Contact Information

Your Feedback