Exploring the Mind | When Counting Doesn't Count: The Development of Math Skills in Young Children

Mon, 03/25/2019 - 10:34am

When: November 26, 2018 at Downtown Library: 4th Floor Meeting Room

For decades schools have struggled with how to teach and increase the learning of mathematics in children. It has been the focus of multiple federal programs and funding agency (NSF, NIH, IES, Gates Foundation) initiatives. Even with all of this focus and research dollars, we see very few changes in children increasing their ability in mathematics especially in foundational skills like fractions.

At this event Pam Davis-Kean, Professor of Psychology at the Institute for Social Research, reviewed her research over the last few years trying to understand the developmental pathways of math achievement. She explored both individual characteristics (self-concept) and contextual influences (parenting, socioeconomic status) that may relate to the early development of math skills. Throughout the talk, the issue of whether or not counting is an important skill as children enter into schooling was discussed, as well as how math skills prior to formal schooling predict college attendance.  

About Dr. Pam Davis-Kean:

Dr. Davis-Kean is Professor of Psychology (Developmental) at the University of Michigan where her research focuses on the various pathways that the socio-economic status (SES) of parents relates to the cognitive/achievement outcomes of their children, specifically math achievement. Her primary focus is on parental educational attainment and how it can influence the development of the home environment throughout childhood, adolescence, and the transition to adulthood.

This program is part of the "Exploring the Mind" series and is a partnership with The University of Michigan Department of Psychology