Gaining Confidence in Math: Instructional Technology for Girls
Project PIs: Beal, Carole R.; Woolf, Beverly P.; Schultz, Klaus
Project Institution: University of Massachusetts, Amherst
Project Duration: January 1, 1998 - December 31, 2000
Project Description: Mathematics is a critical filter for girls' participation in science and engineering careers, yet many girls dislike and avoid math, and are therefore underprepared for college science majors and graduate programs. The goal of this project is to increase girls' interest in math and their confidence in their ability to learn math, through the power of intelligent computer instructional technology. In collaboration with teacher partners (classroom teachers, and math and computer specialists) the awardee has developed a computer tutor, WhaleWatch, for teaching fractions to elementary school girls and boys. Preliminary experiments indicate that girls who work with WhaleWatch show enhanced math self concept and also place a higher value on the AnimalWatch, to include a) 20 hours of mathematics activities and biology; b) extensive graphics and visualization tools for instruction; and c) enhanced instruction and help features that are individually tailored to each student's progress. The impact of AnimalWatch on girls' math self concept, their beliefs in the value of learning math, and their emotions and attributions about math performance will be evaluated in fifth grade classrooms in collaborating school districts, to identify the learning conditions that are most beneficial for girls. The effects of AnimalWatch on teachers' expectations about female students will also be evaluated. To effect systemic change in math instruction, teachers will be provided with and trained in the use of AnimalWatch, which will be distributed via CD-ROM.
Project Contact:
Carole R. Beal
University of Massachusetts, Amherst
408 Goodell Building, Box 33285
Amherst, MA 01003-3285
Contact E-Mail: cbeal@titan.ucs.umass.edu
NSF Project Number: 9714757