A student's Math Learning Environment encompasses the opportunities provided by their home, school, and community that contribute to their development of math knowledge and skills. The experiences students have and the beliefs and attitudes toward math held by their peers, parents, and teachers can influence the development of students' math skills and Math Mindset.
Main Ideas
A child's Home Learning Environment is critical to the development of early math skills. During the upper elementary years, students' Math Learning Environment expands to include their home, school, and community.
- Parents' co-activity with children in math activities is positively related to children's participation in these activities themselves; however, parents may also pressure children to achieve, and contribute to their anxiety about math. Parents' positive attitudes toward math and persevering through challenging work can be beneficial for children's math education.
- Teachers who enjoy math and are confident in their math ability support greater conceptual understanding in their students. Teachers' math anxiety can also negatively affect students' attitudes toward math.
- Peer interactions also set the stage for a positive learning environment; students who engage with their peers more when discussing math strategies may also improve their own understanding.
- Informal learning opportunities, such as after school programs, provide students chances to experience math in new and meaningful ways with an out-of-school mentor. These can be particularly beneficial for students who are traditionally underrepresented in math achievement by providing a community in which to explore.
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- Family Engagement: Topic that includes research on how schools can improve their family engagement on Digital Promise's Research Map
- Family Resources & Relationships: Subtopic that explores research on the effects of parenting, SES, and stress on children's wellbeing and achievement on Digital Promise's Research Map
- Parent Involvement: Subtopic that includes research on the connection between parent/family involvement and student achievement on Digital Promise's Research Map
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