Description of the early mathematics attitude scale (ESAMAT)

Abstract

Within what is known as the affective domain, attitudes towards mathematics have received strong interest over the last decades. Several studies point out that attitudes are a key factor in understanding and explaining the of high students’ variability results in mathematics. However, currently there are few instrument available for math attitudes assessment in Spanish They are mostly targeted to colleges, high school, and primary school students. Few assessment tools are available for Early Childhood Education. This study aims to outline the design and development of an Early Mathematics Attitudes Scale (ESAMAT). The different phases for the instrument design are described. Likewise, the dimensions included within the general concept of attitudes are also exposed, such as: math enjoyment, perceived difficulty, math importance or usefulness, math self-concept and curiosity towards math. The early finding of a negative predisposition to mathematics can be very significant to reduce the risk of academic failure in mathematic.

Keywords

• actitudes hacia las matemáticas
• educación infantil
• evaluación
• esamat