Date of Award

8-2015

Document Type

Open Access Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Education (MSEd)

Department

Physical Education

First Advisor

John Foley, Ph.D.

Second Advisor

Helena Baert, Ph.D.

Third Advisor

Lynn MacDonald, D.P.E

Abstract

Purpose: The primary purpose of this pilot study was to verify that the use of kinesthetic learning (Math & Movement Program) in the classroom increases retention of multiplication facts at a greater rate than traditional drill and practice. The Math & Movement Program uses a kinesthetic learning-based approach for practicing, learning, and memorizing mathematics through the incorporation of bodily movement(s). Participants: The directors of the research project for the participating school district selected the sample of convenience. The population size of this study included 213 third and fourth grade students during the second half of the 2011-2012 school years. Data Analysis: The instrument used to collect data was a math exam focusing on student understanding of their multiplication facts. Students were given a pre-test and post-test of 70 math questions to be completed in two minutes. The researcher analyzed data using SPSS software. A repeated measures test was conducted and the analysis was divided: 2 x 2 (pre and post-test & experimental and control group) repeated measures ANOVA. For purposes of this study, the statistical significance was determined at p < .05. Results: Results from the 2 x 2 ANOVA test of within-subjects contrasts showed no significant difference for the experimental group and control group (F(1, 211) = .844, p= .359), whereas results from the test of between-subjects effects (comparing both groups) showed a significant difference between the two subjects (F(1, 211) = 11.43, p= .001). The results indicated that the control group’s overall average score was higher than the experimental group’s overall average score. Results from the research study provided no significant relationship between kinesthetic learning and academic achievement. Conclusion: Additional research as to how kinesthetic learning impacts the performance of the brain and its role on cognition needs to be further investigated.

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