ERIC Number: EJ1263059
Record Type: Journal
Publication Date: 2020
Pages: 5
Abstractor: ERIC
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: ISSN-
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Promoting Numeracy through a Family Math Night
Skyhar, Candy; Nantais, Michael
BU Journal of Graduate Studies in Education, v12 n2 p44-48 2020
Over the past decade, the international (PISA) and national (CMEC Pan-Canadian Assessment), standardized testing results have shown that students in Manitoba have relatively low results in the area of mathematics when compared to the rest of Canada. This article discusses a project that was devised as a means of reaching out to a school community in order to support numeracy development. The local Family Math Night (FMN) hosted as part of this research project fostered positive relationships between school, university, and community; engaged parents and students in curriculum-based mathematics activities in a supportive, non-threatening, and fun atmosphere; and potentially had a positive effect on teacher perceptions of parental involvement and school-parent partnerships. The emergent school-wide follow-up event provided teacher candidates with opportunities to plan for and engage with students in an authentic way, and opened up dialogue between university and school/division faculty and students in a productive and collaborative manner. The surveys conducted two months after the FMN revealed a lasting effect in terms of families continuing to play the games at home, and a palpable sense of appreciation for connections made between home and school. Family Math Nights have the potential to foster stronger school, university and community partnerships, as well as a greater appreciation for the value of mathematics and numeracy skills at the local level.
Descriptors: Mathematics Activities, Family Programs, College School Cooperation, School Community Programs, Parent Participation, Teacher Attitudes, Preservice Teachers, Teacher Collaboration, Educational Games, Mathematics Skills, Skill Development, Parent Attitudes
Brandon University. 270 18th Street, Brandon, Manitoba R7A6A9. Tel: 204-727-9616; e-mail: facultyed@brandonu.ca; Web site: https://www.brandonu.ca/master-education/journal/
Publication Type: Journal Articles; Reports - Research
Education Level: Higher Education; Postsecondary Education
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Language: English
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