Evaluation of 95 students in grades 3 and 6 on measures of mathematics anxiety, test anxiety, and attitudes toward mathematics found that test and problem-solving anxiety took 2 distinct forms. Mathematics test anxiety increased with age relative to problem-solving anxiety. (SLD)

Presents eleven open-ended questions used to address students' beliefs about mathematics that were culled from a wide variety of mathematics education populations. Each question is followed by a summary of typical responses from those populations that can help teachers plan instruction and structure the classroom environment. (JJK)

A discussion of mathematics anxiety and learned helplessness in mathematics focuses on student failure and avoidance in college mathematics learning. It explores possible causes and suggests classroom activities to foster students' interest and success. (MSE)

The crisis confronting calculus and mathematics education generally results from a number of failed assumptions implicit in the dominant lecture-homework-exam methodology used in teaching mathematics. Positive resolution of this crisis can be found in adopting a noncompetitive, collaborative approach to mathematics education. (Author)

Surveyed Canadian high school students to note differences by gender in attitudes toward mathematics. Results indicated that for both genders, certain variables associated with mathematics success deteriorated as adolescence progressed. Younger girls experienced more mathematics anxiety and considered themselves less competent, but many such…

Describes an Australian distance education remedial mathematics course, which was designed to address issues associated with math anxiety and poor self-concept in regard to mathematics abilities. Concludes that online learning can offer improved opportunities for timid and male students, equal opportunity for others. (Contains 18 references.) (NB)

This exploratory study investigates the level of mathematics anxiety among 116 high ability Secondary Two students. These students were from the top 10% of the Secondary Two students in Singapore. Mathematics Anxiety was measured using the Fennema-Sherman Mathematics Anxiety Scale (MAS) (Fennema & Sherman, 1978) which consisted of twelve items…

Discusses research studies which examine why many capable students continue to avoid mathematics in school. The ideal mathematics student, sex differences, teacher behavior, student attitudes, and minority participation are among the areas considered. (JN)

Compared the mathematics attitudes of 63 girls who took two or three years of high school mathematics. Results confirmed that fear of mathematics decreased in girls continuing in math, and attitudes towards math became more positive. Most planned to combine work, marriage, and children but demonstrated developing sex-role strain. (JAC)

Attitudinal and attributional variables relating to the election of mathematics courses by females and males are identified. A small set of variables explaining the variance in female and male mathematical plans was found. These results may help in understanding why larger proportions of males than females elect mathematics. (Author/GK)

It is hypothesized that those drawn to elementary school teaching do not necessarily enjoy mathematics. A questionnaire was given to over 200 college students, half of them prospective elementary teachers, who were also required to write an essay on attitudes toward mathematics. The results are discussed, and mathematics specialists promoted. (MP)

Experience with materials developed by the Mathematics Teacher Education Project has shown that these resources of teaching methods and suggestions can be used to assist student teachers in their first field experience and in the final term as a means to coalesce and focus on specific teaching strategies. (FG)

Proposals for modifying attitudes and anxieties about mathematics by inner city students and increasing the chances these pupils have to succeed in college mathematics are presented. Orientation sessions are proposed for students entering colleges with mathematics deficiencies and anxieties. (MP)

Describes a successful mother/daughter math club started by a third grade teacher which is designed to help participants increase positive feelings about mathematics; further develop problem-solving skills, especially involving construction and spatial visualization tasks; and become familiar with women's contributions to the world of mathematics.…

Discusses the differences between mathematical problem solving typically used in the classroom and problem solving that is a part of everyday situations out of school. Suggests some teaching methods to align classroom instruction with the real world. Seventeen references are listed. (YP)