Using manipulatives to teach math in the elementary classroom

I am a preservice teacher and I am doing a research paper
on the effectiveness of using manipulatives to teach
mathematics in the elementary school classroom. If anyone
would like to give me some feedback on the following
things, I would really appreciate it.

Do you use manipulatives often? Which ones?
Do you think that they are helpful?
How do you keep them organized?
Are virtual manipulatives on the computer just as
effective as concrete (hands-on) manipulatives?

Thank you in advance for your Feedback!

Research papers are usually derived from direct observation and/or reviews of literature, not anonymous surveys.

I understand what you are saying, however, as part of this particular assignment, our professor has instructed us to include research that we perform through surveys and interviews to juxtapose the research that is in our literature review. So, thank you for your feedback about this assignment.

[glynnis]

Manipulatives in the early elementary grades are necessary for students to understand the abstract concepts. I use unifix cubes (for addition and subtraction), colored bears (for size comparisions and patterning), straws (for place value), etc... I use anything I can get my hands on to show the concepts of math to my students. I have used virtual manipulatives and I enjoy using them occassionally, but I do not feel they can take the place of hands-on use of manipulatives. Students need to touch the manipulatives and move them around themselves. The more learning strategies used with each lesson, the better chance the skills will become locked in their long term memory.

As far as organization, I keep the items in a clear tupperware type box for easy access. I teach students how to use the items and put them away in an organized fashion at the beginning of the year and things typically run smoothly for me.

I teach third grade math and science. I use manipulatives everyday with my math students. Not only do they help to introduce a lesson they also help to reinforce the lesson. The students enjoy being able to use the different manipulatives and I have seen a greater retention of the material.