An investigation into learner perceptions of mathematics : a means to understanding the challenges of learning mathematics
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Date
2007
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Abstract
The purpose of this study was to investigate the experiences and perceptions that
learners have in the maths class with the aim of determining learners’ attitude to maths.
It also intended to identify and understand the challenges that maths learners face in the
maths class. The findings from this investigation would be used in the development of
strategies to (a) improve the attitude of learners in the maths class, (b) develop healthier
self-efficacy beliefs in learners and (c) create a positive learning environment for maths
learners.
To this end, a poster activity and group interview were used as the data collection
instruments for the qualitative part of the research. The poster activity entailed the
development of a poster by learners in which they recorded information on their
experiences and perceptions of maths. This highlighted emerging themes that were
further explored in the group interview and used in the development of the questionnaire.
A group interview was conducted with a select group of learners with the intention of
confirming the themes that had emerged from the poster activity. The quantitative phase
of the study included a questionnaire, the design of which was based on the findings
from the poster activity and was administered to all grade eleven learners of maths in
order to determine whether the findings from the poster activity were representative of
all the grade eleven maths learners. These data collection instruments generated data that
was used to answer the main research questions.
Analysis and interpretation of the findings lead to the following conclusions being
reached: (a) Learner attitude to maths is in part a product of the accumulated
experiences and perceptions of learners in the maths class, (b) The teacher, peers and
learners’ self-efficacy beliefs affect maths learning and (c) The learning environment is
an important factor in maths learning. The final part of the write-up includes the
implications that this research has for the practising maths teacher with suggestions for
further research in the area of affect.
Description
Thesis (M.Ed.)-University of Kwazulu-Natal, 2007.
Keywords
Theses--Education.