“Thank you! Hope this helped”: The voices of children about their experiences of primary mathematics

Description

Children’s lack of experience representing their mathematical thoughts can lead to difficulty communicating their mathematical experience. Consequently, their valuable insider perspectives as “expert witnesses” of classroom events may be inaccessible to adults. We report on the outcome of efforts to gain insights into children’s experiences of primary mathematics using Lundy’s rights-based Model of Participation (2007) to guide and structure the design of participatory methodologies for use with children. The diverse methodological tools used included photovoice, draw and tell, student as journalist (Vox Pop), ranking activity, and focus group interviews. These tools, and their implementation process, were informed by Lundy’s (2007) components of ‘Voice’ and ‘Space.’ Insights arising from these participatory methodologies reveal the perspectives of children in 10 Irish classrooms about learning mathematics. In reporting children’s voices, to the NCCA and the broader educational community, we are fulfilling our commitment to children pertaining to ‘Audience’ and ‘Influence’ (Lundy, 2007) thus ensuring their voices are heard by those who have power to make decisions and that their views are responded to and have influence.

Period	4 Apr 2024 → 6 Apr 2024
Event title	Education Studies Association of Ireland (ESAI) Conference: Education for more just societies: the roles of imagination, innovation and collaboration
Event type	Conference
Degree of Recognition	National