Who Uses Math? Primary Children's Perceptions of the Uses of Mathematics

The purpose of this study was to ascertain children's perceptions of the value and usefulness of mathematics. The subjects in the study were 79 children in kindergarten to third-grade classrooms. Children were interviewed with open-ended and structured questions about the uses of mathematics. Findings indicated that the children at these grade levels are positive about mathematics and their abilities to do mathematics. Children primarily defined mathematics in terms of numbers and/or mathematical operations. Their awareness of the real-life uses adults make of mathematics was limited. Implications of this study for practice include the need for parents and teachers to explain the use of mathematics in the context of everyday life.