The Study of Informal Mathematics Learning: A Case Study Using Square One TV

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The study of informal mathematics learning: A case study using Square One TV A goal of this study on informal mathematics learning is to increase understanding of how perceptions of and attitudes toward mathematics can be mediated with television programming -- Square One TV -- designed for this purpose. This study will be conducted to determine characteristics of the learner and informal mathematics learning experiences; examine the viewing experience over a four- to six-week period to understand the context in which informal mathematics learning occurs; determine program characteristics which facilitate positive thinking about mathematics; and reveal affective and cognitive outcomes from viewing including participation in activities while viewing, follow-up activities which result from viewing, and change in perceptions about and attitudes toward mathematics. One-on-one in-home interviews will be conducted on a pre- and post-test basis over a four- to six-week period with 600 child-parent pairs. Children from age 4 to 12 and one of their parents will be interviewed. Intermediary telephone interviews will permit careful tracking of actual viewing time and of what happens during viewing. Three conditions for informal learning will exist between the pre- and post-test. Two hundred child viewers will have no encouragement to view, another 200 will be encouraged to view a designated amount of television in the time slot when Square One TV airs, and a final 200 will be encouraged to view Square One TV on a regular basis. Outcomes of the study will be increased understanding of informal mathematics learning, refinement of a model for informal learning, and directions for research in this area.