Ability to solve mathematical problems, executive functions and math anxiety of 2nd and 3rd grade students of primary school

Postgraduate Thesis uoadl:2790091 392 Read counter

Unit:
Διατμηματικό ΠΜΣ Προαγωγή και Αγωγή της Υγείας
Library of the School of Health Sciences
Deposit date:
2018-09-18
Year:
2018
Author:
Georgatou Ekaterini
Supervisors info:
Φωτεινή Πολυχρόνη, Αναπληρώτρια Καθηγήτρια, Ψυχολογία, ΕΚΠΑ
Αλέξανδρος-Σταμάτιος Αντωνίου, Επίκουρος Καθηγητής, Παιδαγωγικό Δημοτικής Εκπαίδευσης , ΕΚΠΑ
Γιάννης Τούντας, Καθηγητής, Ιατρική, ΕΚΠΑ
Original Title:
Ικανότητα επίλυσης μαθηματικών προβλημάτων, επιτελικές λειτουργίες και άγχος για τα μαθηματικά παιδιών Β και Γ Δημοτικού
Languages:
Greek
Translated title:
Ability to solve mathematical problems, executive functions and math anxiety of 2nd and 3rd grade students of primary school
Summary:
Introduction: Math anxiety is the negative emotional reaction of an individual to situations involving numbers, math and calculations. It is estimated that 17% of the population display high levels of math anxiety. Math anxiety is negatively related to mathematical knowledge, marks and performance, while it can have a long term impact on professional choices. It is also connected to the possibility of avoidance of mathematical activities as well as increased levels of anxiety about the possibility of failure in math and low self-esteem.
Aim – method: The aim of this study is the investigation of the relationship of math anxiety (according to self-reports by school children) with a) the ability to solve mathematical problems by boys and girls attending the 2nd and 3rd grade of Primary school, b) the levels of working memory of schoolboys and schoolgirls based on the assessment of their teachers, c) their gender and d) their executive functions in a non-verbal framework. A sample of 91 schoolchildren in the 2nd and 3rd grades of three primary schools in Attica responded to a questionnaire measuring ability in solving mathematical problems, their math anxiety and their performance in particular executive functions in a non-verbal framework. Their teachers were given a questionnaire measuring the students' working memory.
Results: Results showed a positive correlation between math anxiety with the ability of solving Mathematical problems was displayed. In this study it was shown that the higher the students' math anxiety levels the lower their performance in math is and vice versa. The 2nd grade school children in particular reported higher math anxiety in comparison to the 3rd grade schoolchildren. Math problem solving ability correlated with working memory as well as with executive functions in a non- verbal framework. Finally, no correlation between math anxiety and the schoolchildren's sex was found.
Conclusion: Thisstudy has confirmed of the previous literature part as regards factors related to the presence of math anxiety and its levels. It is important however that we implement prevention and intervention programs on math anxiety in Greek schools in the school framework involving teachers as well.
Main subject category:
Health Sciences
Keywords:
Math anxiety, Ability of solving mathematical problems, Executive functions, Primary students
Index:
No
Number of index pages:
0
Contains images:
Yes
Number of references:
120
Number of pages:
78
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