Science Blog – Staff Writer
“You’re either a math person or you’re not – at least that’s what we’ve always heard. Now, National Science Foundation-funded research conducted by Florida International University Professor Zahra Hazari shows that’s not really the case. “Much of becoming a math person and pursuing a related STEM (science, technology, engineering or math) career has to do with being recognized and becoming interested – not just being able to do it,” said Hazari, who specializes in STEM Education at FIU’s College of Education and STEM Transformation Institute. “This is important for promoting math education for everyone since it is not just about confidence and performance.” Hazari worked with colleagues Jennifer D. Cribbs from Western Kentucky University, and Philip M. Sadler and Gerhard Sonnert, both from Harvard University. Their research, published recently in the journal Child Development, suggests that interest and recognition are key factors that can help students become “math persons,” while confidence in one’s abilities is not enough.”(more)