1
Return

Tangible Mathematics: 3D-Printing Manipulatives as a Tool in Mathematics Teacher Education

delete2026-08-13
delete0
delete
OA
AI
T
Tim Läufer *
M
Matthias Ludwig
DOI:10.3390/educsci16081284delete
deleteOriginal
deleteOriginal request for help
deleteShare
deleteSave
Abstract

Abstract

En 中文
While manipulatives, physical learning materials reifying mathematical concepts, have been discussed for a long time, 3D-printing revitalized the discussion and allows teachers to have new manipulatives at their disposal, as well as to design their own using a fraction of the effort. How this can be achieved, i.e., how teachers need to be prepared to utilize 3D-printing, is being tested and implemented in current research. In this study, we report findings and the three-year-long design evolution of an elective seminar where student teachers, beginning in the third semester, are trained to use OpenSCAD programming to 3D-model and then print their own manipulatives, guided by scaffolding elements such as cookie stamps in the second session or a design profile. Each student conceives, models, prints, and didactically embeds their manipulatives over three phases during the semester: the input phase, resembling a “normal” seminar; the hands-on phase, akin to a makerspace; and a presentation phase, tying the project work together. This concept combines technical elements, mathematics didactics, constructionism, and modern teaching technologies innovatively, inviting other educators to adapt it based on the provided structure.
Keywords:
3D-printing
teacher education
manipulatives
OpenSCAD programming
constructionism
TPACK (technological pedagogical content knowledge)

Journal

Education Sciences cover
Education Sciences
IF:
2.6
Papers:
3.1K
Citations:
1.2W

Organization

G
goethe-university frankfurt
Scholars:
120
Papers: 47
Citations: 1
Cited Papers

Cited Papers

Citing Papers

Citing Papers