Changes in Learning Environment and Students' Attitudes and Anxiety in Transition From Primary to Secondary Mathematics

• In Event: 46.087 - Poster Session 8
  In Poster Session: 46.087-4 - A Collection of Posters Exploring Learning Environments

Abstract

Research evidence suggests that students’ perceptions concerning mathematics generally deteriorate as they move from the primary to the secondary school spheres.
This study involved 541 students in 47 classes from primary (year 7) and secondary school (year 8) in South Australia to investigate the nature and changes in their attitudes and anxiety towards mathematics and their learning environments during this transition. The shortened (four scales) What Is Happening In this Class? (WIHIC) was the main instrument used along with the modified (two scale) Test of Mathematics Related Attitudes (TOMRA) and an 8-item scale Mathematics Anxiety Measure (MAM).

Authors

• Don Deieso, Curtin University

• Barry J. Fraser, Curtin University