INFORMAL LEARNING
Parents Can Boost Achievement

By Paul Dumas

Mathematics and science are vital to the future well-being of communities across the globe. Yet teachers struggle to engage students’ interest and raise their achievement. Parents can support these efforts by helping develop their children’s interest in these subject areas. The first step is to recognize that opportunities to learn about mathematics and science exist wherever there is a chance to explore.

As parents, we must prepare our children to succeed in an increasingly technological world. Research shows that our involvement in their education dramatically increases the likelihood that they will do well in school. By taking advantage of informal learning opportunities, we not only increase our children’s understanding, but help them develop a positive attitude towards formal learning as well. Organizations such as the National Research Council, the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics, and the National Science Teachers Association all recognize the importance of informal learning opportunities in developing literacy.

Every home and community offers a wide variety of these informal learning opportunities. Through the Web, we can access sites that contain materials and activities parents and children can enjoy together. The WebLinks feature on this page lists a number of sites where such resources are available.

In addition, community organizations such as the Kaala Cultural Learning Center in Waianae, Hawaii (see the story on the following page), provide valuable support for mathematics and science teaching and learning. Cultural sites, museums, nature centers, zoos, and parks all provide parents, teachers, and students with the means to supplement and enhance classroom learning. The opportunities to explore mathematics and science in nontraditional ways available through informal education centers are especially valuable for second language learners and those who learn best through hands-on activities.

Schools, families, and communities can all help enrich students’ mathematics and science learning in different ways. By working together, we will not only engage student interest and boost achievement, but also prepare our children for the technological challenges that surely lie ahead.