Fear of Mathematics of Pre-service Primary School Teachers

Abstract

The "fear of mathematics" become widespread not only in our society, but also around the world, as mathematics is perceived as a "difficult" course. The main purpose of this study was to identify the mathematical fear of pre-service primary school teachers. Phenomenological research design was based on which was one of the qualitative research methods in this research and convenience sampling was used. The sample of the study included a total of 138 pre-service primary school teachers who were selected on a voluntary basis from all class levels from primary education departments. The results of the study indicated that the metaphorical perceptions of pre-service primary school teachers generally addressed the "life" theme, while the "difficult" theme was found to be in lower categories. It was observed that the pre-service teachers did not actually experience much "fear" about mathematics. Their mathematical fear resulted from the attitudes and behaviors of their teachers and their own prejudice. © 2016, Hacettepe University, All rights reserved.