Fifth Grade Students’ Mathematics-Related Beliefs

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to investigate fifth grade students’ mathematics-related beliefs in Turkey and examine possible gender differences in students’ mathematics-related beliefs. For this purpose, a scale developed in a previous study was implemented to 750 fifth grade students from 14 schools in Sivas. The scale consisted of three factors, which were beliefs about mathematics and learning
mathematics, self-efficacy beliefs and views about teacher role. It was found that fifth grade students had availing self-efficacy beliefs and beliefs about mathematics and mathematics learning. On the other hand, students addressed rather authoritarian roles for their mathematics teachers. The study revealed that the gender difference in views of teacher role and self-efficacy beliefs were not significant, while girls significantly had higher scores on mathematics and learning mathematics beliefs subscale than boys.