Measuring Early Math Attitudes and Beliefs: Psychometric Analysis of an Early Math Scale

• In Event: 43.046 - Early Childhood Assessments

Abstract

Early math skills have been shown to be greater predictors than other skills of later academic success in math, science, and reading (Duncan et al, 2007). However, influenced by the beliefs and attitudes, fewer early childhood educators emphasize early math in practice. This study validated a scale of early mathematics attitudes and beliefs on an online professional development program sample (N=750). Containing 33 items that were selected from the literature, the scale has been examined by conducting exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, internal consistency and instructional sensitivity. The results indicated that the Early Math Matters survey is a reliable and valid instrument to measure early childhood educators’ attitudes and beliefs about learning and teaching math.

Authors

• Qiao Lin, University of Illinois at Chicago

• Kathleen Sheridan, University of Illinois at Chicago

• Xiaoli Wen, National-Louis University