High school students beliefs about maths, mathematical problem solving and their achievement in maths: a cross-sectional study

The main aim of the study reported in this paper was to identify Italian high school students' ( n =599) beliefs about maths and mathematical problem solving by exploring the use of a 36-item (six scales) self-report questionnaire. The study was also aimed at analysing possible significant differences in beliefs related to grade (five years of school) and gender, as well as the relationship between beliefs and achievement in maths. Moreover, it explored the reasons underlying mature and nai¨ve beliefs about the different dimensions measured by the questionnaire. Results show a substantial replication of the instrument with the exception of one scale (importance of word problems) which was not reliable. A MANOVA revealed differences for three scales (ability to solve time consuming problems; problems which cannot solved by routine procedures; the usefulness of mathematics) related to grade and a difference for one scale related to gender (importance of understanding maths). It also emerged that the four scales mentioned predicted achievement in maths to different extents. Data regarding the reasons underlying students' beliefs show how their convictions are adaptive or maladaptive to learning. Finally, educational implications are drawn.