A longitudinal study was conducted to determine the effect of teachers and achievement on the students valuing of mathematics. A total of 1,301 students and the teachers they had for mathematics before and after transition to junior high school were involved in the study. It was found that when students move from elementary teachers they percieve…

Funded by the Women's Educational Equity Act Programs, the Minneapolis Public Schools Indian Education Section on October 1, 1981, began a study to assess the present level of enrollment and performance of Minnesota Indian girls in junior and senior high school mathematics courses. Procedures in conducting the study included: identifying 7 to 10…

The Mathematics Anxiety Scale (MAS) was subjected to exploratory factor analysis in 1,047 students (including college undergraduates, high school students, and middle school students). Factor structures were similar for males and females. Recommends the MAS be used in conjunction with other measures that assess students' feelings and beliefs with…

Large numbers of African Americans learn early in life that they fail to perform adequately in mathematics and science, resulting in helplessness syndromes. Learned helplessness in science and mathematics can be ameliorated through desensitization of mathematics phobia, freeing educational environments of crowding and noise, and special career…

Discusses the "confidence factor" in pupils' attitudes about mathematics and the part it plays in their learning process. The authors outline three intervention strategies, drawing on British experience, that may encourage girls to develop confidence. (GR)

Anxiety toward mathematics is a persistent barrier to successful completion of a college degree for women and minorities. This program adapted materials and philosophies from other programs to meet the needs of students identified as impaired by mathematics anxiety in their pursuit of a college education. The program addresses both influencing…

This paper summarizes a formative evaluation of a developmental project designed to maximize the potential use of computers in mathematics instruction through the use of volunteers. The project was conducted using a 7th-grade class at an intermediate school in Utah. Data were analyzed for 12 students in a special class for students not having the…

This is one of five panel reports that have been prepared as part of the first phase of Project 2061, a long-term multipurpose undertaking of the American Association for the Advancement of Science designed to help reform science, mathematics, and technology education in the United States. Major sections included are: (1) "Introduction";…

This study reported the contribution of computer-assisted instruction (CAI) employed in traditional and individualized classrooms to cognitive and personal growth of third-grade disadvantaged children. Results showed that CAI facilitated the acquisition of mathematics skills, alleviated mathematics anxiety, and reduced external locus of control.…

The incidence, correlates, and effects of mathematics anxiety were studied for 154 Japanese children in grades 5 and 6. Factor analysis identified four dimensions of mathematics anxiety, and a number of relationships between achievement test scores and grades, gender, and class were also identified. (SLD)

Structural equation modeling was used to assess the influence of past mathematics grades, performance expectancies, and value perceptions on math anxiety of 250 seventh through ninth graders. The importance of these variables for grades and course selection was also studied. Results are discussed concerning expectancy-value and self-efficacy…

This booklet provides a guide for parents to help their children become successful in mathematics. The information contained is divided into four sections: (1) "Important Facts About Mathematics"; (2) "What To Expect in Your Child's Math Class"; (3) "Helping Your Child at Home"; and (4) "Planning for Your Child's Success in Mathematics." Sources…

Many students, and a particularly high proportion of females, do not study mathematics beyond minimum high school requirements. Research indicates that segregation of mathematics classes may help reduce the incidence of female students dropping out of that subject. To improve female students' attitudes toward mathematics and to increase the…

To improve female students' attitudes toward mathematics and to increase the enrollment of females in upper level mathematics courses, students enrolled in grade 10, 11, and 12 at A. Y. Jackson Secondary School were placed in sex-segregated math classes. This study focused on four main areas: attitudes, achievement, enrollment, and perceptions of…

This publication is a compilation of abstracts and critical comments for 12 published investigations in mathematics education. Information for each study includes: purpose; rationale; research design and procedures; findings; and interpretations. For each study also, abstractor's comments provide a brief critique. The 12 studies are: (1)…