The Effect of Students’ Perceptions of the Learning Environment on the Mathematics Attitude

• In Event: Poster Session 12
  In Poster Session: Student Cognition, Attitudes, and Learning in Math

Abstract

This paper addresses differences between students, classes and schools concerning four aspects of the mathematics attitude in the eighth grade: mathematics academic self-concept, enjoyment in mathematics, perceived value of mathematics and perceived external support. A sample of 4354 students in 228 classes in 119 schools was studied. The effects of student characteristics, the group composition regarding the intelligence and the students’ perceptions of the learning environment were examined, using data from the international Trends in Mathematics and Science Study of 2003 in Flanders (Dutch speaking part of Belgium). Multilevel analyses revealed that mainly student characteristics explained differences. On the class level, the average intelligence of the class group, as well certain perceptions of the learning environment, played a significant role.

Authors

• Machteld Vandecandelaere, University of Leuven

• Gudrun Vanlaar, University of Leuven

• Sara Speybroeck, Katholieke Universiteit Leuven

• Bieke De Fraine, K.U. Leuven