Semester
Spring
Date of Graduation
2008
Document Type
Dissertation
Degree Type
EdD
College
College of Education and Human Services
Department
Curriculum & Instruction/Literacy Studies
Committee Chair
Robert Mayes
Committee Co-Chair
David Callejo-Perez
Abstract
Many students have poor attitudes toward mathematics. This mixed methods study investigates factors that affect college students' attitudes toward mathematics as well as what may be done to reverse or prevent poor student attitudes in the future. Ninety-nine college algebra students completed a retrospective quantitative survey in order to amass numerical data and guide interview choices. Twenty-three of the ninety-nine students were interviewed to gain in-depth knowledge of what factors affect their attitude as well as suggestions on improving these attitudes.;From this study, student attitudes are most affected by four external factors: the teacher, teaching style, classroom environment, and assessments and achievement. Additionally, one internal factor, individual perceptions and characteristics, also affect student attitudes. It is suggested that educators can affect the four external factors in order to influence the internal factor and, in turn, student attitudes.
Recommended Citation
Goodykoontz, Erin N., "Factors that affect college students' attitude toward mathematics" (2008). Graduate Theses, Dissertations, and Problem Reports. 2837.
https://researchrepository.wvu.edu/etd/2837