Math Skills Research Articles

Teaching aids usage and Generic Skills Acquisition in Mathematics Subject in Public Secondary Schools in Rwanda: A Case of Bugesera District

The research assess the extent to which various factors related to teaching aids usage are employed to enhance the acquisition of generic skills among students of mathematics in public secondary schools; identifies the specific generic skills in mathematics that students acquire as a result of using teaching aids in public secondary schools, and determines the relationship between the utilization of teaching aids and the acquisition of generic skills in mathematics in public secondary schools in Bugesera district, Rwanda. The study underscores the significance of teaching aids in improving mathematics education quality in Rwanda's public secondary schools, particularly in Bugesera district. By evaluating the impact of teaching aids on the acquisition of generic math skills, the study offers valuable insights for enhancing educational practices and informing evidence-based policy decisions using a mixed-methods approach that combines qualitative and quantitative data collection through case study and survey research designs. By capturing statistical trends and contextual insights from a targeted sample of 184 respondents, including mathematics teachers, head teachers, sector education inspectors, and students, the study provides a comprehensive understanding of how teaching aids influence student outcomes. Stratified and simple random sampling techniques were utilized to ensure the reliability and validity of the research. Data were collected through questionnaires, interviews, and observations. The study's internal consistency and accuracy were verified using the Content Validity Index (CVI) and Cronbach's alpha coefficient. Quantitative data were analyzed using descriptive and inferential statistics, while qualitative data were subjected to content analysis. Content analysis was used for qualitative data. Results indicate a significant integration of teaching aids into mathematics lessons, with 83.6% of respondents agreeing that these aids effectively enhance the acquisition of generic skills, reflected by a mean of 4.21 and a standard deviation of 1.16. Additionally, 60.9% of respondents agreed that the frequency of using teaching aids is sufficient to support skill acquisition, with a mean of 3.43 and a standard deviation of 1.21. The majority of respondents acknowledged the positive impact of teaching aids on students' motivation, engagement, and skill development, with 86.9% confirming their role in enhancing students' motivation to acquire generic skills. Moreover, 91.3% agreed that teaching aids engage students actively, fostering interest and participation in mathematics learning, as shown by a mean of 4.35 and a standard deviation of 0.56. However, 65.7% noted challenges related to the accessibility and availability of teaching aids, with a mean of 2.7 and a standard deviation of 1.57. Furthermore, the study has revealed a strong and positive correlations between the frequency, variety, and accessibility of instructional aids and the development of students' critical thinking, problem-solving, and logical reasoning skills.

Use Application Quiz in Model Tgt Learning (Team Games Tournament) to Improve Elementary School Multiplication Counting Skills

This research aims to describe the use of the quizizz application in the TGT (Team Games Tournament) learning model to improve elementary school multiplication numeracy skills in class III of SDN Sindangsari, Sukabumi Regency with a total of 28 students. The research method used was classroom action research (PTK) Kemmis and Mc Taggart model research design which was carried out in two cycles. Each cycle consists of planning, implementation, action and observation, and reflection. Data collection techniques use tests in theform of pretests and posttests, and non-tests in the form of observations, interviews, field notes and documentation. The data analysis technique used is descriptive qualitative. From the pre-cycle learning completion cycle, only 29% or 8 students completed because they still used a formal learning model consisting of lectures, exercises and questions and answers. After implementing the Quizizz application in the TGT learning model in cycle I, it has been proven that there has been an improvement, although it is not yet visible significantly, completion was only 64% or 18 students who completed. Then, from the evaluation results of the previous cycle, the research continued with cycle II by adding improvements, the completion of learning results in increasing multiplication ability increased by 89% or 25 students. Therefore, the research was stopped classically because it had reached or exceeded the 85% achievement indicator. By combining the TGT Model with the use of the Quizzizz application in mathematics learning, teachers can create a learning environment that is stimulative, collaborative and interesting for students. This can help improve students' math skills through a team-based learning approach and utilizing digital technology as an effective learning tool.

The development of math skills from grades 1 to 12: Novel findings using person-oriented approach.

The development of math skills is widely studied, but there is a lack of longitudinal studies investigating person-oriented developmental patterns of math skills. The present study aims to describe profiles of students with various calculation and word-problem solving skills from Grades 1 to 9, as well as the developmental trajectories of these profiles, how profiles are related to students' further educational pathways, and whether having a specific skill profile in Grade 9 is related to the results of math and language exams at the end of Grade 12. The sample included 1,023 Estonian students who completed calculation and word-problem solving tests in Grades 1, 3, 6, and 9 (ages 6-16 years old). Educational pathway information and results of the math and language exam in Grade 12 were retrieved from the Estonian Education Information System's registry. Socioeconomic status was determined via parental education level. Overall, results indicated that math skills were positively interrelated between the school years. However, person-oriented approach demonstrated that less than half of students tended to stay in a similar profile from Grades 1 to 9. This suggests that, in terms of math skills, most students have diverse developmental trajectories from elementary school through the end of middle school. Profiles were also related to further educational pathways and high school exam results. This study complements previous variable-oriented research to provide unique and valuable information regarding the development of math skills. (PsycInfo Database Record (c) 2024 APA, all rights reserved).

Counting on Change: Conquering Challenges in Teaching Pharmaceutical Calculations

All pharmacists are expected to accurately perform pharmaceutical calculations to ensure patient safety. In recent years, there have been trends in declining performance on the North American Pharmacist Licensure Examination related to calculations. Understanding the cause of this decline and determining methods to correct underlying issues could benefit pharmacy administration, faculty, students, and patients. The aims of this commentary are to present the factors impacting the students’ pharmaceutical calculations abilities, discuss the consequences of declining math skills, and provide a call to action for scholarship of teaching and learning pertaining to calculations, as well as increased administrative support to rectify this challenge.

U.S. parents’ scientific literacy and efficacy: Associations with children’s STEM media engagement

ABSTRACT Promoting science, math, engineering, and technology (STEM) skills for young children provides foundation for and interest in later STEM learning, making early childhood an important time to develop these competencies. Young children also spend increasing amounts of time with media, and thus it is important to understand if children are accessing STEM content and what factors may determine this access. The current survey study of parents of three- to seven-year olds assesses how parents’ science self-efficacy and parents’ scientific literacy relate to children’s STEM media use. Results demonstrate positive relations between parent self-efficacy and child STEM media use (aligned with self-efficacy theory), but results also demonstrate no significant relation between parent scientific literacy and child STEM media use. We conclude that parent self-efficacy is an important social susceptibility for young children’s STEM media use and that future research should continue exploring potential interventions for promoting parents’ self-efficacy related to teaching their children science.

REMEDIAL PRACTICES AND STUDENTS COMPETENCES IN MATHEMATICS IN PUBLIC SECONDARY SCHOOLS IN RWANDA A CASE OF GICUMBI DISTRICT

Background: Mathematics plays a crucial role in both vocational success (Jetter, 2017) and everyday life (Umameh, 2011), yet many students face challenges in mastering it. Globally, educational equity remains a priority, with persistent disparities in math education, especially among low-SES students (UNESCO, OECD). Tanzania and Rwanda are actively addressing these challenges to enhance educational outcomes. Materials and Methods: This descriptive survey study involved 171 participants from 32 secondary schools in Gicumbi District: 105 mathematics instructors, 50 subject leaders, 35 head teachers, and 110 students. Data collection employed random sampling, with Slovenes method used to select the study sample. SPSS version 21.0 facilitated analysis, encompassing descriptive statistics (frequency, percentage, mean, standard deviation) and inferential statistics (correlation, regression coefficients). Results and Discussions: Findings revealed strong consensus among respondents on the efficacy of modifying instructional methods (80.0%), using personalized learning materials (63.1%), integrating visual and auditory resources (60.0%), and creating tailored exercises (68.0%) to improve math competencies. Key indicators such as problem-solving (64.3%), method application (96.6%), reasoning (92.3%), and mathematical representation (92.3%) demonstrated significant improvements. Enhanced physical facilities also correlated positively with student outcomes, underscoring the role of supportive environments in fostering mathematical competence. Conclusion: The study emphasizes the effectiveness of adapting teaching methods and environments to enhance students math skills. Customized approaches, including personalized materials and multimedia integration, proved instrumental in improving competencies like problem-solving and reasoning. Statistical analyses consistently supported these findings, highlighting the importance of personalized and diversified teaching strategies in enhancing math education in Gicumbi, Rwanda.

Early Language Literacy and Numeracy Skills of Kindergarten Learners in Talakag Bukidnon

In the contemporary context, young Filipinos from disadvantaged socio-economic backgrounds are encountering challenges in mastering fundamental language and numeracy skills, impeding their educational advancement. To address this issue, a study was conducted in Talakag District 1, Bukidnon during the 2022-2023 academic year, focusing on kindergarten learners aged 4-5. The study aimed to outline the participants’ characteristics, evaluate their proficiency in early language literacy and numeracy during the 1st and 2nd Quarters of the school year, and establish links between their learning skills and backgrounds. With 154 kindergarten learners involved, the study employed a descriptive correlational research approach, analyzing data using descriptive statistics and Spearman Correlation to identify significant relationships between language and math skills and participants’ profiles. The findings indicated a predominance of female participants with parents engaged in farming, holding a high school education, and earning a household income of P 9,999 or less. Moreover, the study revealed that the learners’ performance in early language literacy and numeracy neared proficiency levels in the specified quarters, emphasizing a noteworthy connection between their skills and background factors, particularly the mothers’ educational attainment. Recommendations included a focus on enhancing early language and math skills by the Department of Education and encouraging teachers and parents to allocate more time to enrichment activities.

The Influence of Ipad and Tablet Computers on the Enhancement of Oral and Listening Proficiency among Young Students

Educational technology integration rises as schools rethink American school ideology and practices. Technology may be used in schools to develop modern education, but iPad integration in basic math’s teaching has to be understood. In response to these challenges, this in-depth case study examined how iPads as personalised learning aids affect third graders' arithmetic performance and attitudes using nearly experimental qualitative as well as quantitative information. How did NPS School use iPads in a third- grade mathematics classroom as well as how did it influence elementary school students' math skills and attitudes? Subquestions helped fully and comprehensively evaluate the practice problem. How do iPads and textbooks compare in third-grade arithmetic? How do tablet users see math’s differently from traditional students? These study questions were answered by two third-grade math classrooms. Standard education and iPad-integrated teaching were given to two groups. iPads were the only group difference. Content, lesson design, evaluations, inventories, & instructors were identical. Student learning and attitudes were assessed using both pre- and post-tests or an ATMI. The instructor & coordinating administrator were questioned for further information. Researchers also looked at teacher lesson plans to see how iPads were used. This study discovered quantitative-qualitative gaps. Although the post-test and ATMI were not statistically significant, the interviews with the participating adults suggested that students who utilised iPads for teaching had better involvement, attitudes, and productivity.

Frontoparietal and salience network synchronizations during nonsymbolic magnitude processing predict brain age and mathematical performance in youth.

The development and refinement of functional brain circuits crucial to human cognition is a continuous process that spans from childhood to adulthood. Research increasingly focuses on mapping these evolving configurations, with the aim to identify markers for functional impairments and atypical development. Among human cognitive systems, nonsymbolic magnitude representations serve as a foundational building block for future success in mathematical learning and achievement for individuals. Using task-based frontoparietal (FPN) and salience network (SN) features during nonsymbolic magnitude processing alongside machine learning algorithms, we developed a framework to construct brain age prediction models for participants aged 7-30. Our study revealed differential developmental profiles in the synchronization within and between FPN and SN networks. Specifically, we observed a linear increase in FPN connectivity, concomitant with a decline in SN connectivity across the age span. A nonlinear U-shaped trajectory in the connectivity between the FPN and SN was discerned, revealing reduced FPN-SN synchronization among adolescents compared to both pediatric and adult cohorts. Leveraging the Gradient Boosting machine learning algorithm and nested fivefold stratified cross-validation with independent training datasets, we demonstrated that functional connectivity measures of the FPN and SN nodes predict chronological age, with a correlation coefficient of .727 and a mean absolute error of 2.944 between actual and predicted ages. Notably, connectivity within the FPN emerged as the most contributing feature for age prediction. Critically, a more matured brain age estimate is associated with better arithmetic performance. Our findings shed light on the intricate developmental changes occurring in the neural networks supporting magnitude representations. We emphasize brain age estimation as a potent tool for understanding cognitive development and its relationship to mathematical abilities across the critical developmental period of youth. PRACTITIONER POINTS: This study investigated the prolonged changes in the brain's architecture across childhood, adolescence, and adulthood, with a focus on task-state frontoparietal and salience networks. Distinct developmental pathways were identified: frontoparietal synchronization strengthens consistently throughout development, while salience network connectivity diminishes with age. Furthermore, adolescents show a unique dip in connectivity between these networks. Leveraging advanced machine learning methods, we accurately predicted individuals' ages based on these brain circuits, with a more mature estimated brain age correlating with better math skills.

Improving children’s learning in developing countries: what works and what doesn’t

Policymakers in low- and middle-income countries have been successful in getting children to school. However, spending more time in school has not led to the development of age-appropriate math and language skills. In contrast to earlier full-length systematic reviews, we will briefly summarize key findings and challenges from the education literature in development economics targeting this article towards non-specialists. Two findings emerge from our review: one, given the complementarities in educational inputs, we need policy interventions that target multiple inputs in a child production function to have the greatest impact on learning outcomes. Two, interventions that target teacher effort and student effort together appear to have the greatest promise in being able to facilitate learning among children.

Playing single-player tasks together: Dyads’ collaborative activities across two games in Math Garden

Much research on collaborative learning focuses on working together on tasks that are designed with collaboration in mind. However, teachers may ask children to collaborate on single player tasks as well, given a scarcity of available computers in the classroom or assuming that children can learn from each other and motivate each other. In the current study, we studied the conversations of primary school children (N = 64; 39 girls, 25 boys) working together in dyads in an adaptive single-player math learning environment (Math Garden). We aimed to investigate (1) how dyads collaborate across two math tasks aimed at practicing different math skills (arithmetic vs. reasoning skills) embedded within Math Garden and (2) whether collaborative activities differed across the two math tasks. We studied both individual utterances as well as episodes of social metacognitive interactions between the dyad members. We found that children engaged in activities important for successful collaboration, such as relational and metacognitive activities. Moreover, we identified social metacognitive episodes, meaning that children regulated their groups’ learning and that the regulatory processes which took part within the collaborative learning session cannot be reduced to individual activities. We conclude that children engage in collaborative activities when working together on single player tasks. And, in line with previous research, these collaborative activities differed across games, highlighting that collaborative learning is shaped by the task at hand.

Active playful learning as a robust, adaptable, culturally relevant pedagogy to foster children’s 21st century skills

ABSTRACT Drawing upon Vygotskian and Piagetian learning theories, recent research reveals children’s learning can be maximized through a specific Active Playful Learning (APL) approach called guided play. The deepest and most engaging learning happens during guided play. In guided play, adults might prepare an environment and set a learning goal, but children get to direct their own play and exploration towards that goal. Research suggests that guided play fosters math skills, shape knowledge, task switching, spatial vocabulary, literacy, language, social interaction, and physical activity. The intersection of play and the intentionality of having a learning goal holds great potential as a pedagogical approach that can be applied to technology, community spaces, and to classrooms. We describe current directions in: (1) the conceptualization of guided play, (2) areas for implementing this approach in formal and informal education (including television and digital applications, as in the case of Sesame Street), and (3) future opportunities and challenges.

Exploratory research on understanding university students’ artificial intelligence literacy in a Korean university

This study explored university students’ perceptions of artificial intelligence (AI) literacy and AI education. Specifically, the authors sought to understand the level of AI literacy among university students, the extent of their prior exposure to AI education, and the factors that affect their AI education. The study was conducted through an online survey distributed among 300 university students at a Korean university. The study findings indicate that most university students are interested in learning AI. Moreover, the results showed that students with prior experience with software (SW) education showed superior knowledge, a better grasp of AI concepts, and more confidence in using AI technologies, especially in computer coding skills. On the other hand, students with less exposure to prior AI education expressed a need for more learning opportunities and sufficient knowledge of computer coding skills. In addition, we found that students who had received SW education during their K-12 schooling showed better math skills than those who had only received short-term training in university. These findings underscore the importance of addressing the educational barriers that impede university students’ ability to harness this interest effectively. In conclusion, our study provides valuable insights into university students’ perceptions regarding AI literacy and the factors that affect their AI education.

Improving student comprehension through interactive model visualization

A large literature has shown that novices and experts across the STEM disciplines differ markedly in how they approach and solve problems. Many STEM education scholars find that giving students scaffolded exercises in which they work with a visualization tool can be highly effective in teaching novices to think more like experts. Using model visualization software developed for EconGraphs, we have created three custom collections of interactive exercises for use in microeconomics courses at three institutions, two in the US and one in the UK. Based on surveys of the students (n=71, 167, and 57 respectively at the three institutions), students found the new exercises helpful. Additional analysis at two of the institutions suggests that the exercises were more likely to be valued by students with weaker math skills, students with weaker introductory microeconomics skills, and, in some cases, students who agreed that economics was interesting and applicable to their daily lives. The contributions of this paper are to illustrate how the free content from EconGraphs and the associated authoring tools may be used to create exercises that enhance the teaching and learning experience at a range of institutions; to provide the exercises themselves as a public good; and to invite further innovation and investigation in this area.

The interplay between ego-resiliency, math anxiety and working memory in math achievement

Previous research has suggested that math anxiety may contribute to poor math performance by interfering with working memory. However, only a limited number of studies investigated the mediating role of working memory in the math anxiety-math performance link in school-aged children. Unlike math anxiety, ego-resiliency is a personality resource that promotes the management of challenges and has been positively associated with math performance and negatively with anxiety. Nevertheless, there is still limited understanding regarding the specific role of ego-resiliency in math learning and how it relates to math anxiety. This study aimed to investigate conjunctly the interplay between primary school children’s ego-resiliency, math anxiety, working memory, and performance on two different math tasks (i.e., arithmetic task and word problem-solving task), after controlling for general anxiety and age. The study involved 185 Italian children from grades 3 to 5. Serial multi-mediational analyses revealed that: (1) ego-resiliency has a positive indirect effect on math achievement through two paths - math anxiety, and math anxiety and working memory; (2) the study replicated previous findings showing that working memory partially mediated the relationship between math anxiety and math performance; (3) similar patterns of results were found for both math skills. The study identifies ego-resiliency as a possible protective factor in the development of math anxiety and suggests that ego-resiliency could be worth considering when designing interventions aimed at reducing negative emotions towards mathematics.

Numeric social-media posts engage people with climate science.

Innumeracy (lack of math skills) among nonscientists often leads climate scientists and others to avoid communicating numbers due to concerns that the public will not understand them and may disengage. However, people often report preferring to receive numbers; providing them also can improve decisions. Here, we demonstrated that the presence vs. absence of at least one Arabic integer in climate-related social-media posts increased sharing up to 31.7% but, counter to hypothesis, decreased liking of messages 5.2% in two preregistered observational studies (climate scientists on Twitter, N > 8 million Tweets; climate subreddit, N > 17,000 posts and comments). We speculated that the decreased liking was due, not to reduced engagement, but to more negative feelings towards climate-related content described with numeric precision. A preregistered within-participant experiment (N = 212) then varied whether climate consequences were described using Arabic integers (e.g. "90%") or another format (e.g. verbal terms, "almost all"). The presence of Arabic integers about consequences led to more sharing, wanting to find out more, and greater trust and perceptions of an expert messenger; perceived trust and expertise appeared to mediate effects on sharing and wanting to find out more. Arabic integers about consequences again led to more negative feelings about the Tweets as if numbers clarified the dismaying magnitude of climate threats. Our results indicate that harnessing the power of numbers could increase public trust and concern regarding this defining issue of our time. Communicators, however, should also consider counteracting associated negative feelings-that could halt action-by providing feasible solutions to increase people's self-efficacy.

Benefits of Playing at School: Filler Board Games Improve Visuospatial Memory and Mathematical Skills.

The aim of the study was to test the effectiveness of cognitive interventions based on modern board games in school settings to improve memory outcomes and math skills. A parallel, quasi-experimental study was carried out with children (n = 234) into third and fourth grades (8-10 years old). School centres were allocated into a general domain intervention (playing memory board games), a specific domain intervention (playing mathematical board games) or a control group (regular classes without playing). Teachers carried out bi-weekly sessions during the last 30 min of mathematical lessons (8 weeks, 15 sessions). Before and after intervention, we individually measured verbal and visuospatial memory outcomes (short-term memory and working memory updating) and mathematical skills (number operations, number ranking, number production and problem solving). The results showed significant transfer effects of both memory and math trainings. In third grade, we found that playing math games showed medium-large effect sizes in visuospatial short-term memory and updating memory, number operations and number ranking compared to the control group. In fourth grade, we found that playing memory games showed significant small effect sizes in problem solving compared to the control group. Playing board games could be a methodology that enhances cognitive and mathematical development in children.

Analisis Kemampuan Representasi Matematis Ditinjau dari Gaya Kognitif Field Dependent dan Field Independent

This study focuses on using different cognitive styles to solve mathematical issues. Their cognitive styles can be observed when students work on mathematical problems involving mathematical representation skills. Furthermore, the analyst should assess the mathematical representation abilities of pupils at MTsN 1 Banda Aceh using the field-dependent (FD) and Field Independent (FI) cognitive styles. A descriptive, qualitative technique is used. This study employs purposive sampling procedures and focuses on two pupils from class VIII-2, one identified as FD and the other as FI. Instruments utilized include representation skill tests, interview guidelines, and GEFT questions. Analyzing the research data involves data reduction, presentation, triangulation, and conclusion formulation. The research findings point to many conclusions: (1) FI students find it easier to understand issues, can provide better conceptual explanations, solve problems faster, and explain their solutions accurately. (2) FD students have more difficulty solving issues because they rely on teacher directions. Additional concerns include their failure to analyze and comprehend information and retain concepts from challenges effectively. It is envisaged that students will understand their cognitive types to improve their mathematical representation skills in math and other courses.

Analisis Pengaruh Literasi Membaca Terhadap Kemampuan Matematika Di Tinjau Dari Data PISA 2022

This research focuses on the relationship between reading and mathematics abilities using PISA 2022 data. The importance of literacy and numeracy as the main foundation for student development is the starting point for this research. In the midst of Indonesia's challenges in building a culture of literacy, especially at the elementary school level, this research explores the relationship between reading and mathematics abilities through analysis of PISA 2022 data. Secondary data from the PISA 2020 survey and regression analysis techniques are used to explore this relationship. The analysis results show a significant correlation between these two abilities, with a strong and positive correlation coefficient. These findings indicate that students with good reading skills tend to have better math skills. In conclusion, it is important to build literacy and numeracy from an early age at the elementary school level to prepare students to face more complex material. This research suggestion includes the development of integrated literacy and numeracy programs, updating the mathematics curriculum, teacher training, strengthening parental involvement, use of educational technology, as well as further research to understand the factors that influence the relationship between reading literacy and mathematics ability.

Development of Math Stook: An Exploration of Math Stories for Elementary School Students

Research on the development of math story books for elementary school students still needs to be conducted further. Studies on the appropriate design, effectiveness, and effects on students' mathematical understanding are still limited, so more needs to be done. This research aims to develop Math Stook (Math Story Book) as a math learning media for elementary school students. The research method used is the RnD or Research and Development method with the ADDIE research model which consists of 5 stages: Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation. Data were collected through observation and interviews. The validity of Math Stook was evaluated by a group of validators, including media design experts, learning material experts, and pretest and posttest question experts. The results showed that Math Stook was rated as highly valid by the validators. In addition, this study measured the level of math comprehension of grade III students before and after using Math Stook, showing a significant increase. Although the N-Gain value fell into the “medium” category, this study concluded that Math Stook was effective in improving students' mathematical understanding. Recommendations for future research include further exploration of the effect of Math Stook on students' math skills, development of a version tailored to students' needs, as well as the use of a combined approach between quantitative and qualitative methods to explore its impact.