Changes in Learning Environment and Students’ Attitudes and Anxiety Associated with the Transition from Primary to Secondary School Mathematics

Abstract

This study involving 541 South Australian mathematics students utilised scales adapted from the What Is Happening In this Class? Test of Mathematics Related Attitudes and Revised Mathematics Anxiety Rating Scale to identify changes across the transition from primary to secondary school in terms of the classroom learning environment and students’ attitude and anxiety towards mathematics. Secondary students perceived less involvement, less-positive attitudes to mathematical inquiry, less enjoyment of mathematics and greater mathematics anxiety.