Disaffection with School Mathematics (PDF)

'Young peoples' disaffection with mathematics is
a problem since it is a key factor in disengagement, lack of participation,
progression and attainment. Large numbers of young people are becoming
effectively 'lost' to mathematics with the result that too many young people
are leaving education without the competence in mathematics that they require
for successful citizenship.

Disaffection with School Mathematics reports on
an investigation into disaffection with school mathematics undertaken by the
author. Too little is known about both the nature and the causes of
disaffection, and in this light the research looks beyond the quantitative
study of attitude to investigate the nature of the subjective experience of
learning, or not learning, mathematics. Disaffection with school mathematics is
characterized as a motivational and emotional phenomenon, and Reversal Theory
is introduced as a robust theory which is used as an interpretative framework
to account for students' affective experience of school mathematics, and to
inform the design of a range of novel methods. Overall the book develops and
presents a deep description of the landscape of disaffection as experienced by,
and in the voice of, students. Some empirical and theoretical implications of
the study are discussed.