Context matters: the importance of extra-mathematical knowledge in solving mathematical problems

Extra-mathematical knowledge is often overlooked when investigating mathematical skills. This study explores profiles of mathematical skills and associations with extra-mathematical knowledge and the understanding of complex sentences. The study involved 1,288 sixth-grade students (52.1% male) from...

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Hardi Sigus, Kaja Mädamürk
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Frontiers Media S.A. 2024-04-01
Series:Frontiers in Education
Subjects:
Online Access:https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/feduc.2024.1334034/full
Description
Summary:Extra-mathematical knowledge is often overlooked when investigating mathematical skills. This study explores profiles of mathematical skills and associations with extra-mathematical knowledge and the understanding of complex sentences. The study involved 1,288 sixth-grade students (52.1% male) from 95 classes in 58 schools in Estonia. Students completed a math test as part of their regular lessons. The profiles of mathematical skills included students’ calculation skills, standard problems, and complex problems. Three distinct profiles of students emerged: students with high skill levels, students with average skill levels, and students with low skill levels. Students with high mathematical skills also had high extra-mathematical knowledge showing the crucial role of understanding the context of the math tasks in addition to having good mathematical skills.
ISSN:2504-284X