Presents the findings of a study done in Australia which sought to determine which factors influence students to take mathematics courses in the 12th grade. Results suggested that males were more likely to take math than females, and positive attitudes about math in early school years directly influenced participation in math at grade 12. (TW)

The goals of this study were to trace the development of students' desire to participate in mathematics or to avoid it whenever possible, and to examine closely differences between boys and girls in reasons for enrollment or avoidance. To trace this decision-making process, information was collected from nearly 2,000 students. In the 1976-77…