I can relate very well to this study. As I young student, I struggled desperately with math. There was something that just would not “click” in my brain so I could understand mathematics. I had wonderful teachers that worked with me and one day I was able to comprehend simple math. But when I went into high school algebra was something I was never able to understand. So dealing with these struggles, I never thought of math as a subject I enjoyed.
Being bad at math, it’s interesting that tests can help diagnose problems.
I find this article very interesting because if there would have been some way to test and to know that my mind was not able to comprehend this subject, and find a solution to this problem, math may have been easier for me to understand. I feel this would be the same as testing a child for dyslexia because once the problem is understood; you can then change the teaching methods so a child can learn.
As many math-averse adults can attest, the thought of tackling a mathematical problem can be intimidating. Research has shown that students as young as second-graders show signs of being unmotivated by the subject as well.
Laura Lurns · Learning Success expert
Key takeaways
- Micheal Orosco created a tool for dyslexic people called Beliefs, Engagement and Attitude Math Motivation Scale, or BEAMMS
- The tool was validated by a 183 second test from third-grade students from ethnically diverse California public schools completed the BEAMMS assessment.
- While evaluating students it’s important to consider gender and ethnic biased that may be present.
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