Parental Encouragement and Enjoyment Support May Be as Important as Math Content Help for Children's Achievement
Research suggests that parents' motivational practices—such as encouraging independence and helping children enjoy math—may be as important for math achievement as traditional cognitive support like math talk. Historically, studies focused primarily on parents' informal math conversations and direct instruction. This finding could shift how educators and parents approach supporting children's mathematical development.
A study covered by Phys.org indicates that children's math learning depends not only on what they know but also on their motivation and engagement levels. While previous research emphasized parents' cognitive practices such as math talk—informal conversations involving mathematical concepts—emerging evidence now highlights the significance of parents' motivational practices. These motivational approaches include encouraging children's independence and fostering enjoyment of mathematics. The research suggests these motivational strategies may play a role in math abilities that is comparable to direct content support, potentially reshaping understanding of how parents can best support their children's mathematical development.
Limitations & open questions
The specific study design, sample size, participant demographics, methodology for measuring motivational versus cognitive practices, effect sizes, and the research institution or authors conducting this work are not provided in the article excerpt.
What different sources said
- Phys.orgCenter
Parents helping kids enjoy math may boost achievement as much as content support
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