WWC Quick Review: SimCalc Mathworlds™ Study May 2008

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What is this study about?

This study examines whether SimCalc Mathworlds™ improves students’ knowledge of the algebra concepts of rate and proportionality.

Ninety-five teachers and more than 1,600 of their seventh grade students in eight regions of Texas participated in the study.

Teachers were randomly assigned to use either the SimCalc Mathworlds™ curriculum or the conventional unit on rate and proportionality.

Study authors, in consultation with an expert panel, created a 30-item test to assess student knowledge of simple and complex concepts of rate and proportionality.

A team from SRI International, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, and other universities conducted the study. This team also developed the SimCalc Mathworlds™ curriculum.

What did the study authors report?

Students who used SimCalc Mathworlds™ had a better understanding of rate and proportionality than similar students who used the standard curriculum.

SimCalc Mathworlds™ had a statistically significant effect on students’ scores, particularly on knowledge of complex concepts.

The estimated effect size was 0.84, equivalent to moving a student from the 50th to the 80th percentile.

WWC quick reviews are based on the evidence published in the report cited and rely on effect sizes and significance levels as reported by study authors. WWC does not confirm study authors’ findings or contact authors for additional information about the study.