Cover, copy, and compare (CCC) is a simple intervention strategy used to improve academic fluency, particularly in mathematics. But Does Cover Copy Compare Work? This article reviews existing research to explore the effectiveness of CCC in various educational settings.
What is Cover, Copy, Compare?
The CCC intervention involves three steps:
- Cover: The student looks at a correctly solved problem (e.g., a math fact or spelling word).
- Copy: The student covers the problem and attempts to reproduce it from memory.
- Compare: The student uncovers the original problem and compares their answer to the correct one. If incorrect, the process is repeated.
Research on Cover, Copy, Compare Effectiveness
Numerous studies have investigated the effectiveness of CCC across different academic subjects and student populations. Research generally suggests that CCC can be a beneficial intervention for improving fluency.
Math Fluency
Several studies have demonstrated the positive impact of CCC on mathematics fluency. For instance, Codding et al. (2009) found that classwide implementation of CCC, with or without goal setting, improved math fluency in elementary students. Similarly, Becker et al. (2009) reported that CCC, combined with error drill, enhanced multiplication fact fluency and accuracy. Other studies (e.g., Codding et al., 2007; Poncy et al., 2007, 2012) have compared CCC to other interventions, like taped problems, and found CCC to be equally or more effective in improving math fact fluency. Research also suggests that the initial level of fluency may influence the effectiveness of CCC (Codding et al., 2007).
Spelling and Other Academic Skills
While research predominantly focuses on math, CCC has also been applied to other areas. Cieslar et al. (2008) reported positive effects of CCC on both math and spelling performance in a high school student with behavioral disorder. This suggests that CCC may be adaptable across different academic subjects and for students with diverse learning needs.
Variations and Modifications of CCC
Researchers have also explored variations of the standard CCC procedure. Grafman and Cates (2010) compared “cover, copy, compare” with “copy, cover, compare” and found differences in their effects. This highlights the importance of procedural fidelity in implementing CCC.
Factors Influencing CCC Success
The success of CCC can be influenced by several factors, including:
- Student characteristics: Age, learning style, and academic skill level.
- Implementation fidelity: Adherence to the specific steps of the CCC procedure.
- Teacher support and monitoring: Providing feedback and encouragement to students.
- Integration with other interventions: Combining CCC with other evidence-based strategies.
Conclusion: Does Cover Copy Compare Work?
The research overwhelmingly suggests that cover, copy, and compare is an effective intervention for improving academic fluency, particularly in mathematics. While further research is always warranted, the existing evidence supports the use of CCC as a valuable tool for educators seeking to enhance student learning. The simplicity and ease of implementation make CCC a practical and accessible strategy for classrooms and individual instruction.
