A pilot study led by the Western Sydney University demonstrated that primary school students are more willing to learn math and economics if the classes involve real moneyFrom the Latin word moneta, nickname that was given by Romans to the goddess Juno because there was a minting workshop next to her temple. Money is any item that is generally accepted as payment for goods and services and repayment of debts, such as taxes, in a particular region, country or socio-economic context. Its onset dates back to the origins of humanity and its physical representation has taken on very varied forms until the appearance of metal coins. The banknote, a typical representati... More and concrete projects.
The operation started after the release of the “Trends in International Mathematics and Science” study, which ranked Australian students 28th out of 49 countries. The aim was to find a new method to interest children and teenagers in mathematics and help them understand its usefulness in real-life situations. Participants of the pilot classes took part in activities involving coinA coin is a small, flat, round piece of metal alloy (or combination of metals) used primarily as legal tender. Issued by government, they are standardised in weight and composition and are produced at ‘mints’. More counting games, the management of a market stall and the promotion of products to raise funds.
Dr. Catherine Attard, leader of the project, noticed a significant changeThis is the action by which certain banknotes and/or coins are exchanged for the same amount in banknotes/coins of a different face value, or unit value. See Exchange. More in students’ attitude when faced with more relevant and real-world exercises. Thanks to more concrete activities involving everyday issues such as mortgages, lending and interest rates, most of them were able to understand key economic topics.
To read the original article, please click here.