Math Motivation
Math motivation is integrally connected to the expectancy-value model (Eccles & Wigfield, 2002) which claims students are more likely to succeed if they expect to succeed, and if they value the subject being learned.
The MEME project aims to improve math motivation by combining three well-validated interventions. The Utility Value interventions address the value component of expectancy- value theory and the Cognitive and Metacognitive Interventions address the expectancy component.
Eccles, J. S., & Wigfield, A. (2002). Motivational beliefs, values, and goals. Annual Review of Psychology, 53,109–132.
I. Utility Value Intervention
Our Utility Value Intervention includes a series of quotes from other students about how they use math outside of math class and why math is valuable. The goal of UV interventions is to help students see how the subject matter relates to their short-term and long-term goals and interests.
Sample quote from a 9th-grader:
“I used to think algebra was sort of useless outside math class, because I want to be an artist. But we actually used an algebra equation to make sure we could fit our painting on the canvas. My teacher also showed us how to calculate how much all the paint and clay and stuff costs and how much we would need for our projects. I guess artists really do use math!”
II. Cognitive Intervention
Building competence and success performance will help motivate students to be more engaged with course materials. Our Cognitive interventions are based on optimized mastery learning methods as a result of data-driven improvements that lead to tutor re-design and model refinement.
Original tutor
Data-tuned tutor
III. Metacognitive Intervention
1. Plan
For our metacognition intervention, students will select a goal from a menu of goals related to effort, progress, or seeking help before they start practice.
2. Monitor
During practice, the online tutor will provide the student with real-time information about their progress towards mastery and the particular goal they selected.
3. Reflect
The students will reflect on their performance using data from their practice and make plans for future sessions.
Get in touch.
Want to learn more about the MEME project? We’d love to hear from you!
memetutorweb@gmail.com