Effects of involvement by parents of elementary school students in a mathematics methodology course
By: by Michael McCabe.
Published: 2005
Language: eng
Number of pages: 189
Subjects: Mathematics -- Study and teaching (Elementary).; Education, Elementary -- Parent participation.; Mathematics -- Methodology.; Home and school.
Description: This study investigated issues related to the effects of a mathematics methodology course for parents on their ability to assist their children with mathematics homework. Parents' knowledge of mathematics, in particular mathematics reform, their means of reference and support while assisting their children, barriers to successful assistance with their homework, and issues related to the teacher/parent/child dynamic were investigated.The findings indicate that, as a result of their participation in the study, parents demonstrated considerable growth in their knowledge of mathematics reform consistent with initiatives implemented by the National Council for Teachers of Mathematics. This increased awareness led to a greater understanding of the language and materials of mathematics and a greater opportunity to communicate with the classroom teacher. Parents identified their own knowledge and the school textbook series as their main sources of reliance when assisting with homework. They also acknowledged that inconsistencies with the classroom teacher's strategies and their lack of understanding of the material were barriers to successfully aiding with homework. As a result, discord related to homework sometimes occurred within the home. Participation in this study encouraged parents to be more active in their children's homework endeavours.
Notes: Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Toronto, 2005.

Includes bibliographical references (leaves 125-134).