Why BasketMath? Effectiveness for Math Test Preparation

In an after school study conducted at Hostos Community College of the City University of New York in 1997 under the auspices of Liberty Partnerships (New York State Department of Education), BasketMath was used to improve the math scores of students. A group of 49 students participated in this program. Students in a computer lab ran the BasketMath program on their own and a teacher interceded when students requested assistance. Results of their tests were printed and submitted to the teacher. Below is a graphical representation of the findings.

These charts indicate a 15.4% increase in students achieving a mastery level of 85%. In other words, students were perceived to achieve subject mastery when 85% of all questions were answered correctly. A total of 15.4% increase in the number of students achieved mastery, however, all students showed improvement.

Results were based on the use of BasketMath version 2.0. The diagnostic tests, included in the program, consisted of 20 fill-in questions. Students were instructed to practice those questions they initially failed. While the questions were the same, the numbers used in each question varied because BasketMath uses random number generators to change values for each question type.

RESULT: BasketMath has proven to be an effective diagnostic, drill and practice entertainment, educational tool for math test prep.