Development of instructional material to improve middle school ruler reading

Abstract

Over the years, teachers have complained about the students’ inability to use a ruler. Nationwide mathematics tests have confirmed that half of eighth grade students can not read a ruler more accurately than one quarter of an inch. This research study tested the capability of a self-developed teaching aid to improve ruler- reading skills in middle school students. This quantitative study began with a pilot test using a self-developed ruler reading assessment. This assessment was used with two classes of eight grade students at South Middle School, Eau Claire, Wisconsin. The results of the pilot study gave direction to the type of teaching aids needed to improve ruler-reading skills in middle school. The teaching aids were developed. A pretest and posttest were administered to two six-grade graphic communication classes at Chippewa Falls Middle School. The teaching aids were used as a self-paced homework program. The difference between the pretest and the posttest indicated the amount of skills learned with ruler reading.