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Conclusion: Teaching with graphing calculators using the techniques identified as successful has been shown to yield average learning gains in the range of 14% to 50%
Virginia Commonwealth University
A meta-analysis of 54 high-quality studies found higher learning gains due to graphing calculator use in 4 types of learning outcomes for math. Average effect sizes were: |
| • | Operational Skills g=.32 |
| • | Computational Skills g=.43 |
| • | Problem Solving g=.22 |
| • | Attitude towards math g=.32 |
 Reference: (Ellington 2003)
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Empirical Education, Inc.
A meta-analysis of 6 high-quality studies showed an (effect size) due to graphing calculator use of .85.
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Reference: (Khoju, Jaciw et al. 2005)
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Conclusion: Use of graphing calculators in grades 6-8 to teach Algebra and for testing is proven effective. Use of graphing calculators for teaching Number and Operations is a promising practice for grades 3-5, and an emerging practice for grades 9-12. Use of graphing calculators is a promising practice in grades 9-12 for teaching algebra, geometry, data analysis and probability.
Center for Implementing Technology in Education (CITEd)
A review of K-12 research on effectiveness of teaching mathematics with calculators concluded that the use of graphing calculators for teaching Algebra and for testing in grades 6-8 is proven effective. Evidence is promising, but not as strong, for: |
| • | Teaching Number and Operations in K-2 with use of basic calculators. |
| • | Teaching Number and Operations in grades 3-5 with graphing calculators. |
| • | Testing in grades 6-8 with basic calculators. |
| • | Teaching multiple topics in grades 6-8 (including geometry and Number and Operations). |
| • | Teaching in grades 9-12 with graphing calculators for algebra, geometry, and data analysis and probability. |
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| Evidence is emerging, but not yet strong, for teaching Number and Operations in grades 9-12 with graphing calculators. (See primary sources for definitions of strength of terms.)
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Reference: (Helsel, Hitchcock et al. 2006)
Reference: Center for Implementing Technology in Education (CITEd)
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Conclusion: Teaching with graphing calculators is shown to result in student performance gains
Technical University of Darmstadt, Germany
A quasi-experimental study of graphing calculator use in grades 7-10 of one German state showed average performance increases were above the expected increase by all participating classes. Average gains were: |
| • | Class 7: ~12%; Class 8: ~6%; Class 9: ~10%, Class 10: ~12% |
| Reference: (Bruder 2008)
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Download a one-page summary of major research reviews.
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