The survey found that some 49 percent of students reported losing interest in math for about half or more of the time, and 75 percent of youths reported losing interest for at least some class time. About one in ten said they lost interest during math lessons all or almost all of the time.
These numbers were consistent across middle and high school, for both girls and boys, and for Black, Hispanic, and White students.
"Although it is not a perfect comparison, these estimates are higher than estimates from prior research on boredom in academic classes generally," the report states.
- The students who are the most likely to maintain interest in math are the same ones who say they comprehend math, feel supported in math, are confident in their ability to do well in math, enjoy math, believe in the need to learn math, and see themselves as a math person.
- The students who are the most prone to disengage in math lessons say they want fewer online activities and more real-world applications in their math classes.
The report's recommendations include:
- Provide “just right” math content to students
- Use active learning strategies, such as problem-based learning, games, group discussion, and structured group activities to increase students’ involvement in their learning
- Provide students a choice in how to do math assignments
- Teach students strategies to reframe a boring situation, such as by students reminding themselves of the value of the task
- Model enjoyment of math to transmit the emotion to students
- Remind students of the purpose of math at the outset by framing how it relates to real-world problems, daily decision making, or a STEM career
