Enhancing Middle-Year Students’ Engagement in Mathematics

• In Event: Roundtable Session 25
  In Roundtable Session: Mathematics Teaching and Student Achievement

Abstract

This study aimed at improving middle year (Years 5 to 7) students’ engagement in mathematics. Twenty middle year teachers and their students (N=339) from seven schools were involved in a year-long research intervention. Student engagement levels in mathematics were assessed prior to and at the completion of the intervention using the validated multidimensional Motivation and Engagement Scale (Martin, 2007, 2009). Comparison of student data with those from a similar cohort not involved in the intervention found that it is possible to stop and, at times, reverse the downward shift in student engagement levels in mathematics. Importantly, light is shed on the most difficult to shift aspects of student engagement. Implications for classroom practice are discussed.

Authors

• Janette M. Bobis, The University of Sydney

• Jenni Way, The University of Sydney

• Judy Anne Anderson, The University of Sydney

• Maryam Khosronejad, University of Sydney