How does using food-related tasks impact students' numeracy development?
What are the effects of food-based math activities on student engagement and
understanding of basic math operations?
How do cultural food practices influence students' connection to mathematics
learning?
Research Title: Enhancing Numeracy Skills through Contextualized Food-Based
Learning Activities of Grade 7 Students
The Effectiveness of Contextualized Food-Based Learning Activities in Improving
Numeracy Skills Among Grade 7 Students
Despite ongoing efforts to improve students’ mathematical understanding, many
learners struggle to apply numeracy concepts in real-life situations. Traditional
math instruction often lacks relevance, leading to disengagement and poor retention
of concepts. Food, being a universal and culturally meaningful element of everyday
life, offers a rich context for teaching mathematics in a meaningful and practical
way. However, there is limited research on how food-based tasks can enhance
numeracy, particularly in early and middle-grade classrooms. This study aims to
investigate how integrating food-related activities into math instruction can
improve learners’ understanding and application of numeracy concepts such as
measurement, estimation, fractions, and budgeting.
1. Weak Foundation in Early Education
Limited mastery of basic concepts in the early grades leads to cumulative learning
gaps.
Focus on rote learning rather than conceptual understanding prevents deeper math
comprehension.
Early grade teachers may lack sufficient math content knowledge or effective
strategies to teach foundational numeracy.
2. Traditional and Rigid Teaching Methods
Math is often taught abstractly, without connections to real-life situations.
Classrooms commonly rely on lecture-based, textbook-driven instruction with little
hands-on or contextualized learning.
Learners struggle to see the relevance of math in everyday life, reducing
motivation.
3. Language Barriers
Mathematics is often taught in English, which may not be the learners’ first
language.
Students who are not proficient in English may struggle with understanding
instructions, word problems, and explanations, hindering numeracy development.
4. Lack of Resources and Learning Materials
Many schools, especially in rural areas, lack updated textbooks, manipulatives, and
technology to support effective numeracy instruction.
Limited access to contextualized and culturally relevant learning materials makes
math less meaningful.
5. Large Class Sizes and Limited Individual Support
Overcrowded classrooms make it difficult for teachers to assess individual learning
needs and provide targeted support.
Students who fall behind are rarely given remediation or differentiated
instruction.
6. Assessment-Driven Curriculum
Focus on standardized testing and grades often leads to teaching for the test
rather than building understanding.
This reduces opportunities for exploration, discovery, and applied problem-solving.
7. Socioeconomic Factors
Students from low-income families may experience food insecurity, lack of sleep, or
lack of support at home, all of which affect learning readiness.
Parental support in math is often limited due to educational background or economic
pressures.
8. Math Anxiety and Negative Attitudes
Many students develop math anxiety due to fear of failure, past negative
experiences, or societal beliefs that math is inherently difficult.
Teachers themselves may have anxiety or lack confidence in teaching math
effectively.
9. Inadequate Teacher Training and Professional Development
Teachers may lack ongoing training in modern, research-based math pedagogy.
Many are unfamiliar with differentiated instruction, diagnostic assessment, or the
use of manipulatives and real-life contexts.
10. Gaps in Curriculum Implementation
While the K–12 curriculum emphasizes numeracy and problem-solving, there’s a gap
between policy and classroom practice.
Contextualized learning (e.g., math through food, local culture) is not widely
implemented despite its importance.
