Rainbows, Presents, Zombies, and Frankenstein's Monster: Insights into Young Children's Attitudes towards Mathematics

Abstract

Understanding young children's attitudes towards mathematics provides insights into their lived mathematical experiences. It has long been recognized that attitudes towards mathematics have a profound influence on mathematical achievement. Despite the considerable amount of research into students' attitudes toward mathematics, limited research has been conducted into young children's attitudes toward mathematics. Using the modified Three-dimensional Model of Attitude affords the opportunity to describe children's attitudes more comprehensively, moving beyond the emotional dichotomy. This paper reports research conducted with Australian children aged between seven and eight years of age (N=106) using children's drawings, written descriptions, and interview responses. The three data sources resulted in rich narratives providing young children with multiple opportunities to voice what is important to them and their learning. Analysis indicated a range of attitudes, including negative attitudes towards mathematics. Further, a child who has a narrow vision of mathematics impacts their overall Attitude towards the subject.