use of manipulative in the mathematics classroom

The Use of Manipulatives in a Mathematics Classroom
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The Use of Manipulatives in a Mathematics Classroom
Using two articles covering the subject of discussion, the agenda of this paper is to determine the author’s purpose in each one of them. To maintain diversity in the analysis, one of the articles chosen will be informative while the other will be persuasive.
Article 1- Informative
The first article of analysis is “Using manipulatives to teach elementary mathematics” by Matthew Boggan, Sallies Harper, and Anna Whitmire. As revealed throughout the paper, the purpose of Boggan and his colleagues writing the article is to inform the readers of the importance and benefits of using manipulatives. In a general overview, the report presented by Boggan et al. (2010) is accurate on enlightening the reader of the present benefits of manipulatives. It is based on their advantages that manipulatives still have a place in teaching mathematics.
The style used by the three authors show that their aim was to inform the reader. One aspect is the choice of words. The first statement of the article’s abstract states that “the purpose of this paper is to explain the importance and benefits of math manipulatives” (p.1). As such, the aim of Boggan et al. (2010) is to inform the audience. Besides word choice, the three scholars exhibit extensive use of references to support their views. Beginning with the introduction, the three scholars make use of substantial evidence to support the course taken by their article.

For instance, the quote from the work of Seefeldt and Wasik (2006, p.250) used in the introduction aligns with the thesis of the study. As such, the evidence chosen for the paper is strong. The three scholar’s content choice informative topics such as the history of manipulatives, comprehensive definition, how they can be used, and more research on their benefits. In summary, it would be rational to conclude that the sole purpose of the article by Boggan et al. (2010) is to inform.
Article 2- Persuasive
The second article scrutinized is ‘Mathematical manipulatives: Creating an environment for understanding, efficiency, engagement, and enjoyment’ authored by Ashlee Cocklett and Peter Kilgour. Cocklett and Kilgour (2015) carried out their study with the intention of persuading the audience on using manipulatives because they aid in fast student conceptualization of ideas. An overall glance of the article exhibits that manipulatives are important in teaching math to lower class students. Results showed by the study indicate that majority of students are comfortable with manipulatives. As such, math teachers should be willing to use them for good results.
The persuasive element of the article is exhibited from the general approach of the subject by Cocklett and Kilgour (2015). Besides using extensive evidence to support main ideas and having a literature content that supports the thesis, the actual mixed study using 32 students shows the level of precision chosen by the authors to make their argument valid. The manifestations portrayed by the students play a central role in encouraging lower school math teachers to make extensive use of manipulative during math sessions. Making good use of the study deducing the views of students on the issue, the literature topics covered by the two scholars emphasize on the appealing side of manipulatives. The subtopics in the literature review have positive attributes such as manipulatives make learning meaningful, manipulatives aid engagement and understanding, and manipulatives cater for individuals needs among others. In summary, the general arrangement of the paper, mainly the content structure, and the decision of the authors to emphasize on the positive side persuades teachers to make use of manipulatives. The addition of practical evidence that confirms the study hypothesis acts advantageously on furthering the persuasion course.
References
Boggan, M., Harper, S., & Whitmire, A. (2010). Using manipulatives to teach elementary mathematics.Journal of Instructional Pedagogies. Retrieved from http://www.aabri.com/manuscripts/10451.pdfCockett, A., & Kilgour, P. W. (2015). Mathematical Manipulatives: Creating an Environment for Understanding, Efficiency, Engagement, and Enjoyment. TEACH COLLECTION of Christian Education, 1(1), 47-54.