Urban Elementary School Students’ Academic Communities in Mathematics

• In Event: Factors Predicting Math Achievement

Abstract

The present study sought to identify and examine the types of academic communities in mathematics present among urban elementary school students. The purpose of the study was to determine whether or not elementary school students have academic communities that support mathematics engagement and performance, and whether or not boys and girls report having different types of academic communities. Results of this study note that out of school individuals played a significant role in students’ assessment of contributions to their success in mathematics. The results of this study contribute to our understanding of how important mathematics opportunities to learn happen in and out of school, and how students’ informal networks can support their mathematics engagement, learning and performance.

Authors

• Nathan Napoleon Alexander, Teachers College, Columbia University

• Erica Walker, Teachers College, Columbia University