Deconstructing Maths Anxiety: Helping Students To Develop A Positive Attitude Towards Learning Maths, Sarah Buckley
May 2014
Deconstructing Maths Anxiety: Helping Students To Develop A Positive Attitude Towards Learning Maths, Sarah Buckley
Dr Sarah Buckley
Higher maths ability is often believed to go hand-in-hand with greater levels of general intelligence. At the same time, many students have a negative attitude towards maths. Maths anxiety is defined in the research literature as feelings of concern, tension or nervousness that are experienced in combination with maths. In 2005, researchers in the United States estimated that approximately 20 per cent of the US population were highly maths anxious. Given the cultural similarities between the US and Australia, we can assume that the percentage would be comparable here. Research in education, cognitive psychology and neuroscience shows that anxiety can …
Using Mathematical Competencies To Predict Item Difficulty In Pisa, Ross Turner, J Dossey, W Blum, M Niss
Dec 2012
Using Mathematical Competencies To Predict Item Difficulty In Pisa, Ross Turner, J Dossey, W Blum, M Niss
Ross Turner
This paper reports an analysis of features of mathematics assessment items developed for the OECD’s Programme for International Student Assessment survey (PISA) in relation to a set of six mathematical competencies. These competencies have underpinned the PISA mathematics framework since the inception of the PISA survey; they have been used to drive mathematics curriculum and assessment review and reform in several countries; and the results of the study are therefore likely to be of interest to the broad mathematics education community. We present a scheme used to describe this set of mathematical competencies, to quantify the extent to which solution …
Identifying Cognitive Processes Important To Mathematics Learning But Often Overlooked, Ross Turner
Dec 2010
Identifying Cognitive Processes Important To Mathematics Learning But Often Overlooked, Ross Turner
Ross Turner
This article is based on the author's presentation to ACER's Research Conference 2010 that introduced a set of mathematical competencies that deserve to be given more attention in our mathematics classrooms, on the grounds that the possession of these competencies relates strongly to increased levels of mathematical literacy. These competencies are: communication; mathematising; representation; reasoning and argument; strategic thinking; and using symbolic, formal and technical language and operations. The author argues that widespread under-representation of these competencies among the general populace contributes to unacceptably large measures on the mathematics terror index. The argument in support of these competencies comes out …
Learning About Students' Mathematical Literacy From Pisa 2003, S Mccrone, J Dossey, Ross Turner, M Lindquist
Jul 2008
Learning About Students' Mathematical Literacy From Pisa 2003, S Mccrone, J Dossey, Ross Turner, M Lindquist
Ross Turner
The need for mathematical literacy in our world today and shares results from the 2003 PISA assessment of mathematical literacy. Includes ideas for incorporating similar problems in the classroom. Several examples of PISA problems are included, as well an internet address where other released PISA test items can be found.
Pisa 2003—Mathematical Literacy And Learning In The Americas, John Dossey, Sharon Mccrone, Ross Turner, Mary Lindquist
Dec 2007
Pisa 2003—Mathematical Literacy And Learning In The Americas, John Dossey, Sharon Mccrone, Ross Turner, Mary Lindquist
Ross Turner
The article provides an overview of the mathematics assessment program of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Developments’ (OECD) Program for Student Assessment (PISA). As such, it provides a comparative view of the PISA results for Canada, Mexico, and the United States. It outlines the program, its frameworks, and competencies PISA uses to describe the achievement of 15-year-olds in over 40 countries participating in the PISA assessments. Particular attention is given to the PISA conception of mathematical literacy and cross-disciplinary problem-solving. These two areas were a focus of the 2003 assessment. In addition to a discussion of general results, two …
Enhanced Mathematics Learning: Does Technology Make A Difference?, Katherine Dix
Jun 1999
Enhanced Mathematics Learning: Does Technology Make A Difference?, Katherine Dix
Dr Katherine Dix
This paper investigates the effectiveness of technology- based instruction in secondary mathematics, by comparing students' achievements resulting from technology-rich assignments with those achievement resulting from equivalent assignments presented in traditional format. In addition, the development of the technology- rich assignments, from traditional paper- based instruction and within existing curricula, provides an example of the relative ease of integrating technology into the curriculum. Within the context of mathematics, issues of attitude towards computers, motivation and gender differences are examined.
