Improving the Learning Experiences of High School Mathematics Students (Poster 10)

• In Event: AERA Poster Session 9
  In Poster Session: Mathematics Education Research (San Diego)

Abstract

How can we improve the experiences of high school mathematics learners? This paper reports on our design-based research on shifting the aesthetic experiences of high school mathematics learners. With teachers, researchers explored how designing mathematical stories enable mathematically captivating learning experiences (“MCLEs”). Collectively, MCLEs improved student aesthetic experiences. Furthermore, the improved aesthetic quality of MCLEs is related to the way in which mathematical ideas unfolded, such as how long questions were open, how the questions overlapped and interconnected (or not) with one another, and the number of questions that were under consideration during each act. Even when they do not include real-life contexts or fun computer games, High School mathematics lessons can successfully evoke positive experiences like curiosity and suspense.

Authors

• Leslie Dietiker, Boston University

• Rashmi Singh, University of Southern California

• Meghan Riling, Boston University

• Erin Barno, Boston University