Overview
Digital EMA@School is grounded in over 30 years of research in mathematical cognition and cognitive development. The assessment was developed by researchers at the AIM Research Centre (ARC) at Carleton University, drawing on extensive research into how children learn mathematics.
Key Research Areas
Mathematical Cognition
The assessment is based on research showing that foundational early mathematical skills include:
- Symbols: Understanding of numbers, counting, and number recognition
- Relations: Understanding relationships between numbers, comparisons, and ordering
- Operations: Basic arithmetic operations and problem-solving
Predictive Power
Research has shown that skills in these subdomains are predictive of advanced mathematical thinking and longer-term development. Each subdomain predicts mathematics separately, providing broad insights into children’s number skill development.
Creators of the EMA
Heather Douglas, Ph.D.
- ARC researcher
- Adjunct Research Professor, Cognitive Science, Carleton University
- Background in chemistry (B.Sc.) and elementary education (B.Ed.)
- Taught elementary math and science before completing a Ph.D. in Cognitive Science
Jo-Anne LeFevre, Ph.D.
- ARC researcher
- Chancellor’s Professor of Cognitive Science and Psychology, Carleton University
- Ph.D. in Psychology (1988)
- Published over 120 research articles and book chapters on mathematical cognition
- Research focuses on individual differences in mathematical knowledge among children and adults
Research Base
Digital EMA@School is based on:
- Over 30 years of research in mathematical learning
- Current theory on mathematical cognition and cognitive development
- Ongoing validation studies across multiple Canadian school boards
- Ongoing refinement through the ARC (AIM Research Centre)
Further Reading
For more information about the research behind Digital EMA@School, contact:
- Support: ema-support@vretta.com
- ARC (AIM Research Centre): carleton.ca/arc