Next Generation Preschool Math

This project will develop, test, and refine a curriculum supplement (a hands-on technology) that (1) promotes childrens' understanding of number (counting, comparing, and ordering) and fair sharing (equipartitioning); (2) uses interactive media on an emerging handheld platform (touch screen tablets), integrating new multi-touch activities with existing hands-on activities; (3) enhances opportunities for learning with interactive media through shared use with adult guides and peers; and (4) provides professional and technical support materials for preschool educators.

Project Evaluator
Education Design, Inc.
Full Description

In this full research and development project, a team of learning scientists and media researchers at Education Development Center and SRI International will collaborate with educational media producers at WGBH to develop, test, and refine a curriculum supplement (a hands-on technology) that (1) promotes childrens' understanding of number (counting, comparing, and ordering) and fair sharing (equipartitioning); (2) uses interactive media on an emerging handheld platform (touch screen tablets), integrating new multi-touch activities with existing hands-on activities; (3) enhances opportunities for learning with interactive media through shared use with adult guides and peers; and (4) provides professional and technical support materials for preschool educators. The project investigates if and how engagement with activities in a media-rich curriculum supplement improves low-income young childrens' early learning of number and equipartitioning.

The project builds on sound research about learning trajectories to develop materials for fostering young childrens' learning. In addition, this project will generate new research findings about how engagement with activities in a media-rich curriculum supplement can improve low-income childrens' learning. The project uses use mixed methods (ethnographic observations and interviews and HLM analyses) to answer the research questions.

This project addresses a critical need to develop quality early childhood mathematics curriculum, particularly that aimed at low-income students. This project involves two important content areas. Both the content and the mode of delivery make major contributions to curriculum development and research. This project can provide much needed insights about how to effectively use technology for improving student learning.


Project Videos

2015 STEM for All Video Showcase

Title: Next Generation Preschool Math

Presenter(s): Ashley Lewis Presser, Jillian Orr, & Philip Vahey


PROJECT KEYWORDS

Project Materials

Title Type Post date Sort ascending
Early Math with Gracie & Friends Resource 03/16/2020 - 04:13pm
The Evidence Based Curriculum Design Framework: Leveraging Diverse Perspectives in the Design Process Resource 07/20/2018 - 02:52pm
Next Generation Preschool Math Poster 06/15/2016 - 01:47pm
New DR K-12 Preschool App Released! Announcement 11/19/2014 - 01:34pm
New DR K-12 PreSchool App! Gracie & Friends Birthday Café Announcement 10/30/2014 - 03:00pm
Next Generation Science and Math Poster 08/19/2014 - 07:44am
Next Generation Science and Math Poster 08/19/2014 - 07:44am
DR K-12 Projects featured in NY Times Announcement 09/09/2013 - 12:42pm
DR K-12 Projects featured in NY Times Announcement 09/09/2013 - 12:42pm
DR K-12 Projects featured in NY Times Announcement 09/09/2013 - 12:42pm
Next Generation Preschool Math Poster 06/21/2012 - 12:03pm