WGIDPO: Gaining Confidence in Math: Instructional Technology for Girls

数学是女孩参与科学和工程职业的关键过滤器，但许多女孩不喜欢和避免数学，因此没有为大学理科专业和研究生课程做好准备。该项目的目标是通过智能计算机教学技术的力量，提高女孩对数学的兴趣，并增强她们学习数学的能力的信心。获奖者与教师伙伴(课堂教师以及数学和计算机专家)合作，开发了一种计算机导师WhaleWatch，用于教授小学女孩和男孩的分数。初步实验表明，使用WhaleWatch的女孩表现出更强的数学自我概念，并对AnimalWatch给予了更高的评价，包括a)20小时的数学活动和生物；b)广泛的图形和可视化教学工具；c)增强的教学和帮助功能，这些功能是根据每个学生的进步量身定做的。将在合作学区的五年级教室里评估AnimalWatch对女孩数学自我概念、她们对学习数学的价值的信念以及她们对数学表现的情感和归因的影响，以确定对女孩最有利的学习条件。此外，还将评估动物观察对教师对女学生期望的影响。为了实现数学教学的系统性变革，将向教师提供动物观察的使用并对其进行培训，该软件将通过CD-ROM分发。

Mathematics is a critical filter for girls' participation in science and engineering careers, yet many girls dislike and avoid math, and are therefore underprepared for college science majors and graduate programs. The goal of this project is to increase girls' interest in math and their confidence in their ability to learn math, through the power of intelligent computer instructional technology. In collaboration with teacher partners (classroom teachers, and math and computer specialists) the awardee has developed a computer tutor, WhaleWatch, for teaching fractions to elementary school girls and boys. Preliminary experiments indicate that girls who work with WhaleWatch show enhanced math self concept and also place a higher value on the AnimalWatch, to include a) 20 hours of mathematics activities and biology; b) extensive graphics and visualization tools for instruction; and c) enhanced instruction and help features that are individually tailored to each student's progress. The impact of AnimalWatch on girls' math self concept, their beliefs in the value of learning math, and their emotions and attributions about math performance will be evaluated in fifth grade classrooms in collaborating school districts, to identify the learning conditions that are most beneficial for girls. The effects of AnimalWatch on teachers' expectations about female students will also be evaluated. To effect systemic change in math instruction, teachers will be provided with and trained in the use of AnimalWatch, which will be distributed via CD-ROM.