“Vibing with math”: Girls’ attitudes towards math during a place-based apprenticeship

• In Event: AERA Roundtable Session Friday 9:45 am - Gold 4
  In Roundtable Session: Informal Learning Environments as Spaces for Building Mathematical and Computational Thinking Skills

Abstract

This study demonstrates how a place-based apprenticeship the Western United States improves high school-aged girls’ mathematical interest and confidence. We focused on a weekly apprenticeship activity which took place over 6 weeks called Mathematical Cartography to see if working together in a place-based environment supports girls' math interest and confidence as well as fostering positive attitudes towards math. Framed by a community of practice approach, we gathered data from 10 middle and high school-aged girls through pre-post surveys and video observations. Our findings demonstrate that Mathematical Cartography helped girls feel more capable and engaged in math. This study shows that informal, outdoor programs can be a powerful means of supporting girls in increasing their math confidence and attitudes.

Authors

• Zahra Jahani, Utah State University

• Lisa Lundgren, Utah State University

• Brooke Wilder, The EcoLogik Institute

• Lubi Lenaburg, University of California - Santa Barbara

• Samantha Wynns, The EcoLogik Institute

• Natalie Teboul, Traveling Miss T's Math Maps