Materiales manipulativos y cálculo táctico en una trasposición cultural de España a Italia

Abstract

Recent trends in mathematics education on number sense promote the use of manipulative materials to strengthen mental calculation skills through alternative algorithms such as tactical calculation. The course was designed drawing on recent Spanish research, with the aim of fostering a cultural transposition of these approaches from Spain to Italy. It consisted of an extra-curricular support program for twenty lower-primary students in northern Italy with low achievement and negative attitudes towards mathematics, funded by the Italian Ministry of Education and the European Union. Using a qualitative methodology, teachers’ observations showed the emergence of mathematical patterns through the use of materials and a clear improvement in classroom attitudes. Moving away from traditional paper-and-pencil work toward manipulative resources (number box, number line and number chart) and varied oral problem solving allowed students to engage enthusiastically, gain self-confidence, and participate actively in mathematical activity