Self-Determination in Maths Education: How to Strengthen Students’ Positive Attitude to Mathematics and Develop Their Emotional/Social Competences

Abstract

The aim of this study was to verify the effectiveness of the self-determination theory (SDT) in mathematics teaching methodology. In the experimental group, 62 fifth-graders had 10 months of maths lessons according to an original programme that prioritises three needs: autonomy, competence and relatedness. The following research questions were formulated: How did students’ attitudes towards mathematics change under the influence of methodological interventions aimed at satisfying the three SDT needs? Did the methodological solutions contribute to better emotional/social competences in the students? Did the intervention result in higher maths achievement, measured by a maths knowledge and skills test and grades in the subject? The findings included statistically significant differences in 1) positive attitude towards mathematics (measured by the semantic differential technique), 2) emotional/social competences (measured by the KA scale from the tool called TROS-KA) and 3) mathematical achievements (measured by a maths test and grades in school) in comparison to the control group (N = 59), where less positive attitudes towards mathematics, lower maths grades and no significant increase in emotional/social competences were observed.