RELEASE: IMMEDIATE
MARCH 16, 1998
#74-98
CONTACT:
ELIZABETH LUCIANO, 413/545-2989
DIANA CAMPBELL, 413/665-1155
LINDA ABBOTT, 413/787-7112
UMASS WINS GRANT TO CREATE SOFTWARE TO EASE MATH ANXIETY
Project expands on "WhaleWatch" software tested in Deerfield, Springfield
AMHERST, Mass. -- Two University of Massachusetts researchers have received a three-year, $647,000 grant from the National Science Foundation to create a software program aimed at easing math anxiety in girls. The researchers, Carole Beal of psychology, and Beverly Woolf of computer science, will expand on an earlier project called "WhaleWatch," which helped students strengthen their skills with fractions while learning about the right whale, an endangered species native to Massachusetts. The initial software was produced in a collaboration between the University's Center for Computer-Based Instructional Technology (CCBIT) and public schools in Deerfield and Springfield.
Near the end of elementary school, math becomes more abstract than simple addition and subtraction, and mastering higher-level mathematics skills often demands persistence and patience, said Beal. "Students often believe that if they can't solve the problem quickly -- say, within 10 minutes -- that they're not smart enough to do the work," Beal said. Many girls develop a pessimistic view of their own math abilities, despite the fact that studies show girls outperforming boys in the classroom, according to Beal. In contrast, boys remain optimistic while receiving lower grades than their female classmates. "Girls don't necessarily have trouble doing the work," said Beal. "Capability is not the issue; confidence is."
Researchers hope to eventually release the new program, "AnimalWatch," on CD-ROM, making it available to teachers and students across the country, says David Hart, director of CCBIT. AnimalWatch, which is currently being designed, will incorporate additional endangered species, such as eagles and pandas. Overpopulated species, such as deer and koala bears, may also be included. In addition, role models with whom girls could identify, such as a wildlife biologist, may be introduced. This will help personalize the program, an element making it more appealing to girls in particular.
"Evidence shows that these systems are compelling and effective; students enjoy using them but, moreover, students can learn 50 percent faster," said Woolf.
Educators' concern is that girls become discouraged and don't take challenging math courses in the higher grades -- a decision that can seriously limit their career choices and future earning potential. "If you don't get through eighth-grade algebra, you have effectively closed yourself out of two-thirds of the majors in college," Beal notes. WhaleWatch was designed to be appealing to girls, although boys as well as girls worked with the program last year. Fifth-graders solved math problems while learning about the animals' migration, feeding habits, and population shifts, as well as the impact of changing environmental conditions. The software is interactive, presenting a problem at a student's individual skill level. The new program will not just chart short-range changes, but also look at the longer term: researchers hope to look at girls' course selections to see whether they go on to sign up for advanced courses in mathematics.
The software developed with the K-12 school connection is an important part of the software design, said Diana Campbell, technology coordinator for the Frontier Regional/Union 38 school district. Students and teachers at the Deerfield Elementary School, which is part of the Frontier Regional district, gave important feedback to the software designers after using the prototype software. "This process allowed for a student-centered program that is engaging to use, builds skills, and offers an age-appropriate topic," said Campbell.
"We're excited about the opportunity for teachers and students here in Springfield's public schools to be involved in the AnimalWatch project," said Linda Abbott, director of mathematics and technology for the Springfield Public Schools. "The project fits in well with our plan to involve more teachers and students in the use of technology."
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For more information: Beverly Woolf may be contacted at 413/545-4265 or [email protected] Carole Beal may be contacted at 413/545-1579 or [email protected] David Hart may be contacted at 413/545-3278 or [email protected]
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