Nov. 7 Exit slip

Today we had a discussion about our inquiry project topics. Hearing my classmates' thoughts on their projects, I was inspired and am finally starting to compile my ideas about mine together. 

For my inquiry project, I want to explore the potential effects of extracurricular math activities, such as after-school tutoring programs, on students’ self-efficacy, confidence, and long-term academic outcomes. To begin, I would start by browsing scholarly articles and conducting a literature review to gather research on how extracurricular math programs impact students' motivation and academic performance. I would look for studies that examine the psychological effects of external support systems, including both positive impacts (like increased confidence) and potential downsides (such as over-reliance on tutoring). After gathering and reviewing the research, I would compile my findings to identify gaps in the literature that my inquiry project could address. Additionally, I plan to interview teachers at Magee Secondary School during my practicum to gain insight into their perspectives on how the local tutoring culture influences their students’ classroom performance, attitudes toward math, and readiness for university-level math. These interviews will provide practical, real-world context to complement the theoretical findings from the research.

Additional to my main topic, I also want to cover several subtopics to fully understand the issue. For instance, I would explore how participating in after-school math programs affects students' perceptions of their own abilities, particularly those who struggle with math. Another subtopic could examine the impact of these programs on students' independence and problem-solving skills—do they rely on tutoring as the last resort to boost their grades, or does it genuinely build their confidence? Additionally, I would investigate whether students with heavy involvement in tutoring fare better in university math courses or if they struggle with the transition to more self-directed learning. Based on my findings, I may propose changes to how schools collaborate with tutoring centers or offer school-based extracurricular math activities that emphasize self-efficacy and critical thinking. 

Hopefully, my project would provide valuable insight into the broader role of math tutoring in shaping students’ academic and personal growth.