Although gender gaps associated with K-12 science achievement have narrowed significantly, gaps in science engagement and efficacy in childhood likely explain why women remain underrepresented in science careers. Early intervention programs may address root causes of gender gaps in science careers. Outdoor science education (OSE) is one…

Interest-driven activities, such as mathematical play, can support student agency, motivation, and engagement, and can foster dispositions that reflect authentic disciplinary engagement. However, the bulk of research on mathematical play investigates the mathematics that emerges in young children's natural play or in informal spaces such as video…

Background: Math anxiety (MA) and math achievement are generally negatively associated. Aims: This study investigated whether and how classroom engagement behaviors mediate the negative association between MA and math achievement. Sample: Data were drawn from an ongoing longitudinal study that examines the roles of affective factors in math…

This study examined the effect of implementing personal devices into a fifth-grade mathematics classroom. Thirty-eight fifth graders participated in this eight-week project with a focus on six students to track their growth. During this study, students engaged in technology-based stations that pertained to our geometry unit and coordinate unit.…

In scientific inquiry learning, manipulatives have been widely utilized as learning resources. Studies have explored the advantages of virtual manipulative (VM) for conceptual understanding and knowledge construction in science education. However, research on the mental engagement and perception of students during collaborative learning under…

Engaging students who are reluctant readers is not a one-sided dilemma, but rather a dynamic problem with many facets. This study examined one aspect of this conundrum. While reading is a difficult and challenging task for many, reluctant readers struggle with not only being engaged, but with negative self-perceptions. The fourth grade reluctant…

Despite the ongoing debate in academic circles regarding the impact of the arts on individual and collective well-being, there is a paucity of empirical research in this area. Nevertheless, recent studies have begun to establish a significant correlation between arts engagement and a range of positive outcomes. The objective of this study is to…

Supporting student wellbeing in schools is increasingly becoming a global priority. However, research and initiatives primarily focus on general wellbeing rather than subject-specific experiences. Given the pervasive levels of mathematics anxiety, negative attitudes, and disengagement in mathematics education, we argue for a more contextualised…

Children in most schools, especially in Primary 7 (age 11, England Year 6), are increasingly engaging with technology and social media in a way that is completely different from 10 or even 5 years ago. More time is spent on phones and devices and, as a result of this, observations and appreciation of the wonderful natural world around them are…

In this study, we investigated one student as she engaged in the exploration of a graph theory problem, the Graceful Tree Conjecture. The study took place in a classroom in the Midwestern United States which contained eighteen students. We report on a descriptive case study of one student, Heidi, as she works her way through different classes of…

Through a conceptual framework focused on student engagement, this article explores students' perceptions about the impact the design of learning environments has on student engagement. The current mixed-methods study was conducted at two Texas replacement elementary schools where the entire learning community, all teachers, administrators, staff,…

The goal of the current study was to investigate the role of academic enablers on the association between symptoms of inattention and hyperactivity/impulsivity and academic achievement. There were 395 3rd through 5th grade students (48% boys). Students self-rated behavioral symptoms and classroom teachers completed ratings of academic enablers.…

Project-based learning is gaining popularity as a student-centered approach to education. It provides a multitude of benefits, especially compared to the practices surrounding standardized testing. The purpose of this action research study was to examine and improve teaching practices related to project-based learning at the elementary school…

This study explored an individual variation in perceived social support from teachers, peers, and guardians and their association with experienced study engagement and study burnout. Two cohorts of students participated in the study: fourth graders from primary school (age 10, n = 2401) and seventh graders from lower secondary school (age 13, n =…

School closure and distance learning during the COVID-19 pandemic have posed several challenges to children. Drawing upon the social--ecological framework, in this preliminary study, we tested what factors may help to explain students' difficulties with distance learning during COVID-19 lockdown, by analyzing family, school, and individual…