Het verband tussen opleidingsniveau van ouders en het niveau van rekenvaardigheid bij kinderen uit groep 7: is dit verband verschillend voor jongens en meisjes?

Abstract

Previous research has shown that there is a positive relationship between parental education level and children’s mathematical skills. Aims: This research examined whether there is a positive relationship between parental education level and children’s mathematical skills and if the gender of the child plays a moderating role in this relationship. Method: 39 children between nine and eleven years old took part in this research. Mathematical skills were measured using the Cito test and Tempo Test Arithmetic. Additionally, parents were asked about their educational level. A regression analyses was conducted to examine the relationship between the parental education level and the level of mathematical skills of children. Secondly, a moderation analysis was performed to investigate whether the child’s gender has a moderating effect in this relationship. Third, a Hotelings-William’s test was performed to examine whether the relation with mathematical skills differs for the educational level of the mother and father. Results: A positive significant relationship between parental education level and children’s mathematical skills was found. A positive correlation was found between the cito test scores and parental education level. However, no correlation was found between the Tempo Test Arithmetic (TTR) and parental education level. The child’s gender did not have a moderating effect. Discussion: In line with previous research, the current study found a relation between parental education level and children’s mathematical skills. Further research regarding the underlying mechanisms in this relationship – such as the school and home environment – is recommended.