The level of mathematics anxiety among pre-service elementary school teachers

Abstract

The aim of this study is to investigate the level of mathematics anxiety among pre-service elementary school teachers. Survey method was used in this descriptive type study. The sample of the study consisted of 207 pre-service elementary school teachers. To assess mathematics anxiety level, a mathematics anxiety scale composed of 39 items developed by Uldas ( 2005) was used. The data were analyzed by independent samples t-test using the SPSS 13.0 statistics program. In conclusion with the analysis, the level of mathematics anxiety of pre-service elementary school teachers was interpreted as low and the difference based on gender was not significant. On the other hand, there were significant differences according to class, perceived ability and perceived success levels. Finally, suggestions to teacher educators were provided to overcome mathematics anxiety. (C) 2009 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved