User research
Question:
If you want to develop a software for primary and middle school students to learn mathematics, who should you ask to do user research?
Answer:
When developing a software for primary and middle school students to learn mathematics, you should consider conducting user research with the following groups:
Teachers:
Teachers possess a deep understanding of pedagogical content knowledge (PCK) and best practices for mathematics instruction. They can provide insights into effective teaching methods, the learning process, and how to integrate technology in a way that supports active learning and student agency.
Students:
The primary users of the software are the students themselves. Involving them in user research can help uncover their learning preferences, the challenges they face in learning mathematics, and their expectations for the software. This will help ensure that the software is engaging and effective in supporting their learning needs.
Parents:
Parents play a critical role in their children’s education and can provide valuable feedback on their children’s learning experiences and needs. They may also have insights into the types of learning resources and tools that have been effective for their children in the past.
Mathematics education experts:
Professionals who specialize in mathematics education, such as curriculum developers and educational researchers, can provide valuable guidance on the most effective teaching methods, learning strategies, and technological tools to incorporate into the software.
Educational technology specialists:
These experts can help identify and recommend appropriate technological tools and resources for teaching math with technology. They can also provide insights into the best practices for integrating technology into mathematics instruction and ensuring that the software aligns with research-based best practices for math instruction.
Summary
Conducting user research with a diverse group of stakeholders, including teachers, students, parents, mathematics education experts, and educational technology specialists, will help ensure that the software is designed and developed in a way that supports effective mathematics learning for primary and middle school students.