Math Achievement Research Articles

The Ecosystem of Middle School Math Achievement: Intersections of Student Demographic, Parent, and School Factors

ABSTRACTEcological factors, such as family involvement and school context, are important to consider in understanding middle schoolers’ math development. In this study, we examined the relations of middle school student‐reported parental monitoring and school climate as well as school‐averaged teacher reports of school organizational health (OH) to students’ math growth from grades 6–8. We also examined whether student‐reported race and ethnicity and perceived financial security moderated the relations of climate, monitoring, and OH to math growth and achievement. Participants were 12,821 middle school students and their teachers in the Pacific Northwest region of the United States. Our findings indicate that students who reported more parental monitoring in Grade 6 had detectably higher math scores in Grade 8, but monitoring did not relate to math growth, nor did student‐reported perceptions of school climate in Grade 6. We observed that OH in earlier middle school predicted math growth through Grade 8. We did not find evidence of differential relations of these variables to math achievement level or growth across students’ self‐reported race and ethnicity and perceived financial security. We discuss contributions of these findings to research and practice as well as limitations and future directions.

Mathematics interest, self-efficacy, and anxiety predict STEM career choice in emerging adulthood.

To examine the combined effects of maths anxiety (MA), maths self-efficacy (MSE), and maths interest (MI) on STEM career choice, we analysed self-report data from 7908 Twins Early Development Study participants, collected at ages 16 (MSE, MI), 18 (MA) and 21 (STEM career choice). When analysed in the same model, MSE did not independently predict STEM career choice. MI (OR = 1.75) was a stronger predictor than MA (OR = 0.79), which was not significant after controlling for maths achievement. MI was a significant positive predictor of STEM career choices for both males (OR = 1.88) and females (OR = 1.77). However, MA was only predictive for males (OR = 0.62), and MSE was only predictive for females in the unadjusted model (OR = 1.77). These results highlight the importance of nurturing maths interest to bridge the STEM skills gap, regardless of sex. Future research should consider the co-development of maths-related psychological constructs to further understand their influence on STEM career paths.

Profiles of home language environment in Head Start classrooms: Patterns and associated developmental skills for Spanish-English dual language learners

This study utilized nationally representative data from Head Start programs (FACES 2014) to identify profiles of classrooms based on their practices and environments relevant to Spanish-English dual language learners (DLLs). We then compared DLLs’ development across the identified classroom profiles over the preschool year. Finally, we explored whether the potential effect of classroom profiles on early development varies by DLL status, distinguishing between Bilinguals and Emergent Bilinguals. Latent profile analysis identified three classroom profiles: (a) High home language support with a Spanish-speaking lead teacher (High HL, Spanish LT; 34.2%), (b) High home language support with a non-Spanish-speaking lead teacher (High HL, non-Spanish LT; 26.9%), and (c) Low home language support (Low HL; 38.9%). DLLs in High HL, Spanish LT classrooms presented higher teacher-reported social skills than those in Low HL classrooms. Moderation analyses revealed that Bilinguals in High HL, Spanish LT classrooms presented higher social skills and fewer behavioral problems than those in High HL, non-Spanish LT classrooms, and higher approaches to learning skills than those in Low HL classrooms, as reported by teachers. Children's language and math achievement over a preschool year did not differ across classroom profiles. These findings highlight the importance of strong home language support in classroom environments for enhancing DLLs' social-emotional skills and learning behaviors, particularly for Bilinguals.

Error-based Activity Applications in Sixth Grade Fraction Teaching

This study aims to determine how the error-based activity (EBA) applications used in teaching fractions to sixth-grade students affect the academic achievement of the students, the perceived error climate in the classroom, student math anxiety levels, the permanence of the knowledge, and student views on the EBA applications. In the quantitative part of this research, a mixed-method study, a quasi-experimental design with a pretest-posttest control group was used to examine the effects of EBA applications on math achievement, math anxiety levels, classroom error climate, and permanence. A purposive sampling method was used to collect the quantitative data for the study. In the qualitative part of this research, a case study, semi-structured interviews were conducted with nine volunteers from the experimental group to determine the student views of EBA practices. Analyzing the data obtained showed that EBA had a positive effect on student success, positively affected the perceived error climate in the classroom, and effectively reduced student math anxiety levels and made the knowledge permanent. Apart from this, the results indicated that EBA applications positively affect students in terms of cognitive and affective aspects, increase the quality of teaching, and can be effective in different subjects and courses.

Emotions and interactive tangible tools for math achievement in primary schools.

Acquiring mathematical concepts is crucial for students' academic achievements, future prospects and overall well-being. This study explores the role of emotions in a symbolic number comparison task and the impact of the use of a tangible tool. Fifty-nine healthy children aged 6 to 7 years participated in a between-subject study with two conditions for the modality, digital tools vs the use of pen and paper, and two conditions for emotions, positive vs neutral. The study provided evidence that positive emotions can improve task efficiency for pen and paper modality, and the use of the digital tool improves task efficiency with both positive and negative emotions. These findings suggest that addressing emotional factors before engaging in a symbolic task can enhance learning and that interactive technology may give a more significant benefit to students with less positive attitudes toward the task. Incorporating effective teaching methodologies that utilize tangible devices within a positive emotional context can foster engagement and achievement in mathematics, optimizing students' learning experiences.

The double‐edged sword effect of reading self‐concept on math achievement: Additional insights for making dimensional comparisons

AbstractA common belief underlying the dimensional comparison theory is that reading self‐concept has a positive relation to reading achievement but a negative relation to math achievement. However, this belief is incomplete and potentially misleading as supporting evidence is usually derived from studies without simultaneously considering the mediated effect of reading self‐concept through reading achievement. The current study examined the direct and indirect effects of reading self‐concept on math achievement through reading achievement, using PISA 2018 data from 501,766 students across 74 countries/territories. Multilevel structural equation modeling was performed to control for confounding variances from the school level and above. The results showed that reading self‐concept had a direct and negative effect on math achievement, while also exerting a positive indirect effect on math achievement through reading achievement. Overall, the indirect effect outperformed the negative direct effect on math achievement. We concluded that reading self‐concept exerted a double‐edged effect on math achievement. These results should be able to shed new light on the contrasting comparison effect of self‐concept on academic achievement.

Impact of digital modules on math achievement by gender and locality

Digital modules typically refer to self-contained units of online learning materials designed for specific topics or learning objectives. The researcher developed digital modules for three specific math units and conducted a three-week experiment in six schools in three districts of Punjab. The purpose of the study was to find the effectiveness of digital modules. The study revealed a statistically significant difference in gain achievement scores and posttest achievement between the experimental and control groups. The t statistic for gain achievement scores was 2.41, indicating a p-value of 0.016, and 2.70 for posttest achievement. This suggests a significant difference in learning outcomes between the two groups.

Parental Expectation, Attitudes, and Home Numeracy Environment in Korea and in the U.S.: Potential Sources of Asian Math Advantages

This present study examined relations among parental math attitudes, expectations, and practice, and preschool children’s math achievement (i.e., parental math practice as a mediator) that may differ between Korean and U.S. samples. We examined measurement invariance to minimize the bias and inaccurate estimates in scores in two samples, which is a common barrier in cross-cultural studies. The Korean sample comprised 232 children (mean age = 54.58 months) and their parents from large urban cities and two other provinces. The U.S. sample included 146 preschool children (mean age = 52.49 months) and their parents in an urban area. We utilized measurement invariance to investigate whether the parental math practice has the same meaning across the two samples, along with mediation group comparisons. U.S. parents tended to have more positive math attitudes and higher expectations, while Korean parents were likely to be more involved in math practice with children at home. Korean children scored significantly higher on math achievement than the U.S. children. Among the Korean sample, higher parental math expectations were associated with higher levels of parental math practice, which was, in turn, associated with higher levels of child math outcomes after controlling for child age and SES. On the contrary, parental math expectations were unrelated to their math practice or child math outcomes in the U.S. sample. Parent math attitudes were not associated with any variables in both samples. These findings explain Asian math advantages that emerge early and offer insights into cultural processes (i.e., the importance of parental math practice) that may play a different role in children’s math outcomes.

Parents' rearing styles and adolescents' math achievement: the multiple mediating effect of self-control and math anxiety.

This cross-sectional study examined the mechanisms underlying adolescent math achievement by investigating the relationship between parents' rearing styles (including different dimensions of rearing style) and adolescent self-control, math anxiety, and math achievement based on the ecological systems theory. A total of 584 junior high school students (M age = 12.52) completed the Parenting Style Questionnaire, Self-control Scale, and Math Anxiety Rating Scale and provided their math test scores. The rearing styles of both fathers and mothers directly predicted adolescents' math achievement. Maternal rearing style indirectly predicted adolescents' math achievement through their self-control and math anxiety; however, the indirect effect of paternal rearing style on adolescents' math achievement was not significant. After distinguishing the three dimensions of rearing styles, we found that paternal emotional warmth can increase adolescents' self-control, while maternal emotional warmth can reduce adolescents' self-control. Further, paternal overprotectiveness can directly and positively predict adolescents' math achievement, while maternal rejection and overprotectiveness can positively predict adolescents' math achievement. None of the three dimensions of rearing styles can predict math achievement through adolescents' self-control; however, they can predict math achievement indirectly through adolescents' math anxiety and the chain-mediation of adolescents' self-control and math anxiety. Our results suggest both commonalities and differences in how paternal and maternal rearing styles, along with their three dimensions (emotional warmth, rejection, overprotection), predict adolescent math achievement. These findings highlight the importance of paternal and maternal rearing styles on adolescents' math achievement and underscore the need to examine them separately to better understand their impact.

A Growth Mindset Scale for Young Children (GM-C): Development and validation among children from the United States and South Africa.

Beliefs about the malleability of intellectual ability-mindsets-shape achievement. Recent evidence suggests that even young children hold such mindsets; yet, no reliable and valid instruments exist for measuring individual differences in young children's mindsets. Given the potential relevance of mindsets to children's achievement-related behavior and learning, we developed and tested the psychometric properties of the Growth Mindset Scale for Children (GM-C). Among other psychometric properties, we assessed this instrument's (a) factor structure, (b) measurement invariance, (c) internal consistency, (d) temporal stability (test-retest reliability), (e) concurrent validity, and (f) cross-cultural robustness in samples of US children (Study 1; N = 220; ages 4 through 6; 50% girls; 39% White) and South African children (Study 2; predominantly grades 4 and 5; N = 331; 54% girls; 100% non-White). The GM-C scale exhibited four factors, representing beliefs about the instability of low ability, the malleability of low ability, the instability of high ability, and the malleability of high ability. The GM-C scale also demonstrated invariance across age, acceptable internal consistency (αs between .70 to .90), and moderate temporal stability over approximately one month (rs between .38 to .72). Concurrent validity was supported by significant relations between children's scores on the subscales about low ability and their goal orientations (Studies 1 and 2), challenge-seeking behavior, and achievement in math and English (Study 2). These findings suggest that the GM-C scale is a promising tool for measuring mindsets in young children. We offer practical recommendations for using this new scale and discuss theoretical implications.

Synergistic effects of students’ mathematics and science motivational beliefs on achievement, and their determinants

BackgroundStudents’ mathematics and science motivational beliefs are crucial determinants of their school academic achievement in math and science. The current study aimed to identify the group memberships of students’ motivational beliefs in math and science, which are closely related. Furthermore, this study probed the predictive effects of individual students’ experiences at school on forming group membership. We also tested the mean differences of the identified latent groups in math and science achievement.ResultsUsing latent profile analysis modeling, we examined data from 3857 Korean eighth-grade students participating in the 2019 Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study. The theoretical rationale and supplementary statistical indices showed a five-group membership as the optimal solution. The five groups are high motivation, medium motivation, low math/high science motivation, low motivation, and very low motivation. Students’ sense of school belonging was the most crucial predictor in forming group membership, whereas perceived student bullying did not predict group membership. Finally, students in distinct motivational belief groups exhibited differences in their math and science achievements.ConclusionsThis study identified five subgroups of students based on their distinct motivational beliefs in math and science, and variations in their association with achievements. In terms of policy development and intervention, it is important to nurture students’ sense of school belonging. This study advances motivational theories in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics education, and provides practical suggestions for improving educational practices to enhance student math and science motivational beliefs.

From spontaneous focusing on numerosity to mathematics achievement: The mediating role of non-symbolic number processing and mapping between symbolic and non-symbolic representations of number

Young children who readily demonstrate a self-initiated orientation, or spontaneous focusing on numerosity (SFON), perform better in mathematics in later years. To further our understanding of the mechanisms behind this relation, the present longitudinal study with 150 Chinese preschoolers examined the potential mediating role of non-symbolic number processing and mapping between symbolic and non-symbolic representations of number. Mediation analysis indicates two independent pathways leading from SFON to math achievement—namely the non-symbolic number processing pathway and the number mapping pathway—providing a more comprehensive model to explain the predictability of SFON on children’s math achievement. Our findings indicate that children with a stronger tendency to focus on the cardinal information of the environment are better at processing set sizes as well as mapping non-symbolic quantity information onto numbers, leading to better math achievement.

21st Century Learning Skills, Study Habits, and the Mathematics Performance of Grade 7 Students

This study examined the study habits, 21st-century learning skills, and mathematics performance of 132 Grade 7 students at Santa Maria National High School in the 2021-2022 school year. It looked at the kids' characteristics, study habits, and 21st-century learning skills to see how they correlated with their arithmetic ability. The study used a descriptive approach with tailored questionnaires, with data evaluated using frequency count, percentage, mean, and Spearman rho. The results revealed that the majority of pupils were of the suitable age, primarily female, lived in rural areas, and had parents working in a variety of occupations. They spent 1-4 hours a day on devices, with smartphones and the Brainly app being the most popular, and books were preferred as educational tools. The survey discovered that pupils had "very good" study habits, "high" 21st-century learning skills, and a "very satisfactory" level of mathematics achievement. There were no significant relationships observed between students' profiles and their study habits or 21st-century learning skills. However, there was a substantial link found between study habits and 21st-century learning ability. Communication and creativity skills were also found to be highly connected to math achievement. The study suggests that mathematics teachers integrate various applications, create interactive materials, and use teaching approaches that promote 21st-century abilities such as communication, creativity, and critical thinking through active learning, project-based, and problem-based projects.

A longitudinal study on the predictors of early grades learning attainments in low-and-middle-income countries: Evidence from Tanzania

Strands of evidence from high-income countries has consistently indicated that early learning attainments predict later learning achievements. However, less are known about these issues from low-and-middle-income countries, particularly from the sub-Saharan region. This longitudinal study examined the extent to which children’s school-entry (N = 597; mean age = 6.34 years) early reading and early math skills predicted their later learning achievement in a low-income country, Tanzania. Further, given the existing disparities of quality of educational services, families’ income, and early learning achievements, the sample included children and families from both rural and urban contexts. Data were collected using Measure of Early Learning Environments (MELE) for controlling of school quality, Early Grade Reading Assessment (EGRA) and Early Grade Math Assessment (EGMA) for children’s tests, and parents’ questionnaire for home-related variables. Controlling for family socioeconomic status, intervention status, urbanicity settings, and parental education, findings indicated that school-entry math skills were significantly predictive of children’s end of Grade 2 reading and math achievement. However, while school-entry early reading skills predicted end of Grade 2 reading achievement, it did not predict later math achievements. This article extends research on links between elements of transition to school and later achievement across countries, thus, its implications are discussed.

The interaction of mathematics achievement, academic motivation and social context among Turkish adolescents

Important variables affecting adolescents' mathematics achievement are motivation and peer relationships, including beliefs about the usefulness of mathematics. This study investigated the mediating role of academic motivation and the moderating role of perceived social support in the relationship between mathematics achievement and peer relationships. The study was conducted with a Turkish sample of 534 adolescents (nfemale=328, nmale=206). Data was collected using math course achievement grades, academic motivation scales, peer relations and perceived social support scales. Structural equation modelling showed a direct relationship between peer relationships and math achievement, and academic motivation was a mediating variable. However, it was determined that perceived social support did not have a moderating role in the relationship between mathematics achievement and peer relationships. The results regarding the development of adolescents' mathematics achievement are discussed.

A Cross-Lagged Analysis of the Relationship between Math Achievement and Behavioral Outcomes of At-Risk Students

A Cross-Lagged Analysis of the Relationship between Math Achievement and Behavioral Outcomes of At-Risk Students

Linking persistence and executive functions with later academic achievement

Executive functions (EF) and task persistence are key factors in academic development. However, EF and persistence have rarely been examined together, and it remains unclear whether these two constructs are independently related to intellectual development. The present study addressed this gap by examining whether EF and persistence in kindergarten predict math and reading achievement in second grade. We assessed 88 children (51% female; mean age = 73.4 months) on EF and persistence tasks at T1 and obtained teacher ratings of their academic competence at T2 (mean age = 94.6 months). Regression analyses showed that both EF and persistence predicted math achievement, but only EF predicted reading achievement. To sum up, our findings suggest that persistence may be particularly relevant for math, reflecting the ability to endure and sustain. These are skills that are typically not captured by EF measures. Consequently, early interventions should target EF and persistence to support children’s mathematical potential.

Predicting Marginalized Students’ Mathematics Achievement in High School

ABSTRACT The current study is a conceptual replication of the influence of an advanced educational opportunity and several student propensities to learn on a college-readiness assessment for mathematics (ACT scores) among an important and under-studied group of students. We focused on a sample of predominantly Black students from economically-disadvantaged homes in the U.S. (n = 329; 80% Black, 59% female, 66% whose parents had a high-school diploma or less). Accelerated course placement (high-school math course in 8th grade) was a unique predictor of math ACT scores above and beyond prior math achievement and other variables (B = 1.5). In line with a fade-out model, executive function skill in 6th grade was not a unique predictor with other predictors in the model. In line with emerging findings with marginalized students, mathematics self-concept in 6th grade was also not a unique predictor. Finally, students’ mathematics achievement at age 4 predicted their math ACT scores in 12th grade (B = .69), as did their middle-school mathematics achievement in number, algebra, and geometry (B = .43–.67), which mediated the relation between mathematics achievement at age 4 and math ACT scores. Findings highlight the importance of advanced academic opportunities, which national data indicates marginalized students are less likely to receive, the diminishing role of individual differences in executive function skill as children develop domain knowledge, the diminished role of math self-concept for predicting achievement among marginalized students, and the strong stability in math achievement.

Direct and indirect pathways linking gentrification to adolescent reading and math achievement via educational aspirations and psychological distress.

This study examined how living in a gentrifying neighborhood may impact adolescents' reading and math achievement via educational aspirations and psychological distress and asked whether these pathways differ according to socioeconomic status and race. A framework combining theories of adolescent development and neighborhood effects was empirically tested using a racially diverse sample of adolescents living in urban neighborhoods in North Carolina matched to administrative school records and census data (N = 1,045, Mage = 12, 8% American Indian, 4% Asian, 32% Black, 62% White, 15% multiracial, 16% Latinx, categories not mutually exclusive). At the population level, structural equation models found no relation between the extent of gentrification occurring in youths' neighborhood of residence and reading and math achievement, educational aspirations, or psychological distress. However, moderated mediation models revealed a positive association between gentrification and psychological distress among youth with low (but not high) subjective family economic status, leading to a small negative indirect effect of gentrification on math achievement. The link between gentrification and increased psychological distress was largest among Black youth with low subjective family economic status, who may face both heightened racism and classism-related social stressors as their neighborhood gentrifies. Findings have theoretical and policy implications, as they challenge the assumption that living in proximity to higher income, higher educated peers will benefit youth from disadvantaged neighborhoods. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Social and dimensional comparisons of achievement in multifaceted task value formation among adolescents

Students routinely compare their achievement across different subjects (dimensional comparison) and against that of their peers (social comparison). Yet, it is unclear how these comparison processes influence their task values (intrinsic, attainment, utility, cost) and the observed gender differences in these values. Utilizing structural equation models, we tested the associations between Grade 7 achievement (in Finnish and math) and Grade 8 task values among 1325 Finnish students (Mage at Grade 7 = 12.8 years, 52 % girls). We observed positive social comparison (within-domain) effects on all value facets, and partial negative dimensional comparison (cross-domain) effects: higher Finnish achievement was associated with lower intrinsic value and higher cost in math. Despite outperforming boys in Finnish and math, girls reported lower intrinsic value and higher cost in math – effects not explained by achievement comparisons. These results imply that task values development may rely on comparisons of other factors beyond individual achievement.