← Money Decisions, Out Loud · Lesson 2 of 3
Why it matters to them
Teenagers work harder at maths they can see a use for in their own lives. Researchers call this utility value.
In one study, researchers sent parents of high-school students brochures about why maths and science matter for everyday life and careers. The students whose parents got them took more maths and science in their last two years of school (Harackiewicz and colleagues, 2012).
You do not need a brochure. Name the maths inside a real choice your teenager cares about: a first job's pay after tax, the cost of a car over three years, interest on a phone bought in instalments.
What did the parent brochure study find?
A lesson is kept once you've answered the question and written at least 8 words. Nobody grades it; it stays on this device.