Perceptions are especially important for female students, as disparities have been identified between males and females regarding their own appraisals of present abilities and expectations of their future academic performance in mathematics. Most researchers have studied these perceptions in older students, with very few investigating younger students. A qualitative case study research design explored the perceptions of elementary age female students participating in a summer math workshop regarding their beliefs about their skills and abilities in math, examining female students’ beliefs about the possible obstacles in mastering mathematical concepts, and addressing math barriers with engaging math practices. The workshop explored and applied math concepts to real life using fun and exciting projects. Individual in-depth interviews found that negative perceptions and beliefs regarding these female students’ abilities and skills in mathematics were initially dominant, even at this early age, but the workshop helped them develop more positive attitudes and beliefs.

Authors: Bedoor Alazemi, Randy Larkins

Published in: London International Conference on Education (LICE-2023)

• Date of Conference: 13-15 November 2023
• DOI: 10.20533/LICE.2023.0028
• ISBN: 978-1-913572-66-2
• Conference Location: St Anne’s College, University of Oxford, Oxford, UK