CHARLOTTESVILLE, Va.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Recent research conducted by ExploreLearning found students using Frax®—a new adaptive, game-based program that helps students learn fractions—had significant improvements on reported classroom math understanding, engagement, and confidence, and those most at-risk made statistically larger gains across several key categories.
ExploreLearning surveyed 1,465 teachers awarded a Frax Educator Grant in the 2021–2022 school year. The grant gave teachers free access to the Frax program for their students for one school year. Participating teachers reported on changes in student performance and engagement due to Frax.
The large majority of teachers reported substantial improvements in learning and engagement and that Frax was superior to previous programs and tools they had used to teach fractions. Improvements also extended to student math self-concept, a key predictor of math emotions (like enjoyment and anxiety) and math achievement.
Key findings
99.7% of teachers reported improvements in both student learning and engagement. 87% said Frax was the best tool they had used to teach fractions. Strongest observed impacts:
- Increased enjoyment in math learning
- Increased understanding of fraction concepts
- Increased confidence in math abilities
At-risk populations
The gains were even stronger in schools reported as having especially low standardized test scores (n=72, 23%). Teachers reported the same or statistically larger gains with Frax than their peers in higher-scoring schools. The following were areas of relative strength in these at-risk environments:
- Increased student participation in class
- Increased self-esteem
- Improved fact learning
These results align with a recent independent ESSA Level III study that found that greater usage of Frax correlated to greater gains on the STAR Math benchmark assessment. Importantly, this relationship held for students with low academic outcomes and those students who qualify for free or reduced lunch.
“Learning fractions is one of the most critical challenges in elementary education because it uniquely predicts success in high school algebra and beyond,” said Dr. David Shuster, president and founder of ExploreLearning. “With Frax, our aim is to build on insights from the latest academic research to help students learn fractions from the ground up. We are absolutely thrilled that our work is helping more children develop the confidence, skills, and sense of enjoyment that will unblock the path to future success and opportunity.”
About ExploreLearning
ExploreLearning® is a part of Cambium Learning® Group, the education essentials company. Across all areas of our organization, we deliver technology solutions and services that emphasize the elements that are most essential to education’s success: simplicity, certainty and now. At ExploreLearning, we believe all students can have success in math and science — and have fun along the way! Our award-winning online programs — Gizmos®, Reflex®, Frax® and Science4Us®— bring engaging and effective instructional strategies to K-12 classrooms around the world.
About Cambium Learning Group
Cambium Learning® Group is the education essentials company, providing award-winning education technology and services for K-12 markets. With an intentionally curated portfolio of respected global brands, Cambium serves as a leader in the education space, helping millions of educators and students feel more universally seen, valued and supported each and every day. In everything it does, the company focuses on the elements that are most essential to the success of education, delivering simpler, more certain solutions that make a meaningful difference right now.
To learn more, visit www.cambiumlearning.com or follow Cambium on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Medium. The Cambium family of brands includes: Cambium Assessment, Lexia® Learning, Learning A-Z®, Voyager Sopris Learning®, ExploreLearning®, Time4Learning®, and Kurzweil Education®.
