The Relationship Between Teacher and Student Beliefs About Mathematics

Abstract

In this study the relationship between teacher (n = 7) beliefs about mathematics, the learning and teaching of mathematics and their respective students' beliefs about mathematics (n = 158) are examined. The data were collected by means of two instruments specifically designed to measure belief systems about mathematics. Teacher scores were adjusted so that a higher score reflected beliefs in aligntnent with the National Council of Teachers of Mathematics (NCTM) Standards. Results indicated that the students of teachers whose beliefs were in alignment with the NCTM Standards had significantly different beliefs about factors that lead to success in mathematics than did other students. Specifically these students felt that working hard to solve problems and striving for understanding would lead to success. No student differences were found for subscales of ego orientation, competitiveness, interest and extrinsic factors such as neatness and cooperation. These findings suggest that this group of teachers practiced what they believed and that these practices affected what their students believed about mathematics. We suggest that using these two assessments in tandem give a clearer picture of the mathematical environment within a classroom and can be used in professional development workshops to initiate teacher reflection about classroom practices.