The Path to Math: Analysis of Student Mathematical Stories

Author

Aurora D. Wallace, University of Mississippi. Sally McDonnell Barksdale Honors College

Date of Award

2018

Document Type

Undergraduate Thesis

Department

Teacher Education

First Advisor

Joel Amidon

Relational Format

Dissertation/Thesis

Abstract

In this thesis, I address the issue of American students' dislike of mathematics. I explored this issue in two parts: distributing a survey to undergraduates of the University of Mississippi and then conducting interviews of students at the same university about their past feelings and emotions about mathematics. Interview data was analyzed and coded through Dedoose, a qualitative data program. Analysis of each interviewee's data set led to the establishment of different mathematical paths that students follow in their mathematics education. The five paths emerging from the data — Arrow, Improvement, Revelation, Sparkless, and Almost Revelation — provide a more individualized look at education and provide clues on how to help students change their minds and attitudes about mathematics.

Recommended Citation

Wallace, Aurora D., "The Path to Math: Analysis of Student Mathematical Stories" (2018). Honors Theses. 103.
https://egrove.olemiss.edu/hon_thesis/103

Accessibility Status

Searchable text