Building a mathematical problem-solving environment to prepare K-5 students for success in STEM and health careers.

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Project Summary/Abstract There is an enormous need for qualified people to pursue careers in STEM (Noonan, 2017). However, the lack of a strong foundation in mathematics means students are less likely to pursue STEM majors and careers (Chen, 2013; Griffith, 2010; Huang, Taddese, & Walter, E, 2000; Kokkelenberg & Sinha, 2010; Lowell et. al., 2009; Seo, Shen & Alfaro, 2019). Students from low-income families, women, and underrepresented minorities are also less likely to major in STEM (Bettinger, 2010; Griffith, 2010; Hill, Corbett & Rose, 2010; Kokkelenberg & Sinha, 2010). Improving math learning in the elementary grades is important to ensure children have the essential foundational skills and strong self-efficacy beliefs to be able to succeed with later mathematics and pursue careers in STEM. With this Fast-Track grant, we propose to build a mathematical problem-solving environment, Teachley Problem Solving (TPS), to transform the way elementary students learn to solve math problems. TPS will include a set of digital tools to help students understand and classify the underlying structure of problems, use clear visuals to model the mathematics of the problems, and construct strong mathematical arguments. The environment will also integrate into ASSISTments, a math curriculum platform built by The ASSISTments Foundation and Wooster Polytechnic Institute . Outcomes. The proposal will encourage two main outcomes, namely: 1) improved student math achievement and 2) increased math self-efficacy. A key research aim is to determine whether supporting elementary students with digital problem-solving tools helps them develop stronger problem-solving skills as compared to typical instruction. We also anticipate that using the engaging tools with real-time feedback will also bolster students’ motivation and self-efficacy in mathematics. Improving students’ academic outcomes and math self-efficacy during elementary school will promote later success in high school mathematics. Since the number of advanced math classes students take is correlated with likelihood to complete a STEM degree, (Chen, 2013) a distal outcome of this proposal is increasing the number of students pursuing careers in STEM.