Years 1, 2, 3 teachers' attitudes towards mathematics in state sector primary schools in Malta

Abstract

This research study inquires about Years 1, 2 and 3 teachers' attitudes towards Mathematics in State Sector Primary schools in Malta. In order to gather information about teachers' attitudes the authors administered an appropriate questionnaire to all teachers teaching in the first three years of the Primary School. The first part of the questionnaire dealt with teachers' personal data including, age, gender, teaching experience, and the type of qualifications they possess. Moreover, the questionnaire investigated how teachers spend their school related time, the teaching methods they adopt and the material they use in the Mathematics class. Issues such as, the role of homework, the introduction of calculators and computers and initial and in-service training were also queried in this questionnaire. Data gathered from this questionnaire was analysed through the use of appropriate computer software and discussed, and whenever possible a comparison of results was made with similar studies conducted locally and/or internationally. Conclusions drawn from this research study are useful to people interested in area of Mathematics Education especially, to those in charge of the National Minimum Curriculum and those responsible for the development of initial and in service courses in the teaching of Mathematics.