The Effect of the Carnegie Algebra Tutor on Student Achievement and Attitude in Introductory High School Algebra

The Third International Mathematics and Science Study (1995) and the National Assessment of Educational Progress results (1996) indicate that the United States has not reached the goal of being first in the world in mathematics and science achievement established by the Goals 2000 Act. Many states have adopted the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics standards for mathematics instruction, which call for the integration of computer technology, in an effort to improve international and national mathematics achievement results. Recent research (e.g., Anderson & Koedinger, 1995, Mann, Shakeshaft, Becker, & Kotkamp, 1999) has reported significant increases in student achievement in mathematics through the use of intelligent tutoring software such as the Carnegie Algebra Tutor. This study built upon this body research on computer technology and how it can be effectively integrated into classrooms to impact student achievement and attitude. In particular, the effect of the Carnegie Algebra Tutor on student achievement and attitude towards mathematics in an introductory high school Algebra course was examined. The quantitative portion of the study used a non-equivalent control group design. The population of the study consisted of 445 students. Student achievement was measured using scale scores on the Virginia Algebra I SOL assessment with the Total Mathematics portion of the Stanford 9 Ta as covariate. Student attitudes were measured using a shortened version of the Fennema-Sherman Mathematics Attitude Scales survey. Independent variables included the treatment condition, race/ethnicity, and gender. An ANCOVA was conducted to determine achievement effects, while ANOVA was conducted to determine attitude effects. The qualitative portion of the study consisted of student and teacher focus groups. It was through these focus group sessions that program implementation issues and cognitive and affective effects on students and teachers were examined. Analysis revealed statistically significant mean achievement differences between Black (M=402.2) and White (M=395.7) students. Student focus group data revealed an overall positive experience for students. Emerging themes from the teacher focus group included alignment issues with the Carnegie tutor and the Algebra SOL, implementation concerns, student effects, and software issues. Based on these findings, implications of the results of this study, future avenues of research, and implementation suggestions are offered.

Name thesis:degree_name

Doctor of Education

Level thesis:degree_level

doctoral

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Educational Leadership and Policy Studies

Department dc:contributor.department

Educational Leadership and Policy Studies

Grantor dc:publisher

Virginia Tech

Year dc:date.issued

2001

Author dc:creator

• Smith, John Edwin

Chairs dc:contributor.committeechair

• Parson, Stephen R.
• Yakimowski-Srebnick, Mary E.

Committee members dc:contributor.committeemember

• Twiford, Travis W.
• Blankenship, Strader E.
• Dawson, Christina M.

• Attitude
• Carnegie Algebra Tutor
• Achievement

Statement dc:rights

• In Copyright

Licence dc:rights.uri

• http://rightsstatements.org/vocab/InC/1.0/

Dc Identifier Other

etd-04232001-161143

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:vtechworks.lib.vt.edu:10919/27149