Engaging Middle School Students in Math

In a recent article published by MindShift, journalist Annie Murphy Paul questioned, “What is it about middle school and mathematics?” Indeed, research shows that it is during the middle school years that students begin to lose interest in math.  This disengagement often persists, which puts these students at a disadvantage in later schooling and even in their future careers.

Researchers from the University of Sydney in Australia investigated this middle-school phenomenon, looking specifically at factors that caused students to switch on or switch off in mathematics.  The Journal of Educational Psychology recently published the findings, based on data drawn from over 1,600 Australian middle school students.

One of the primary factors the researchers identified in turning students onto math is self-efficacy—students’ perceived capabilities to learn or accomplish mathematical tasks.  According to the published article, teachers can foster self-efficacy in students by maximizing opportunities for achievement.  For example, educators should build on skills students have already mastered and help students develop appropriate goal-setting (i.e. goals that are challenging but still realistic).  

Another critical factor they identified stems from students’ perception of the value of math.  Educators and parents can emphasize the importance of math and the development of math-related skills by demonstrating its usefulness in the real world.  In addition, it is important that educators and parents model positive attitudes toward math.