International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education (PME)

Proceedings of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education · Volume 1

The Interplay of Fourth Graders’ Mathematics Attitudes and Performance: a Multilevel Study

Daranee Lehtonen, Esa Satomaa, Jo Van Hoof, Marika Parviainen, Mikko-Jussi Laakso, Jari Metsämuuronen, Valentina Dagienė

University of Turku

49th Annual Conference of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education, PME 2026Helsinki27 July 2026 - 1 August 2026pp. 923–930ISSN 2790-36482026Scopus conference code 336559
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Abstract

The decline in global mathematics attitudes and performance raises significant concerns for educational outcomes and career choices. While evidence suggests that students' attitudes significantly influence their performance, some studies report no substantial relationship. This study examines the relationship between fourth graders' (n = 639) mathematics attitudes and performance at both the student and classroom levels. Utilizing multilevel modeling, we found that students’ positive mathematics attitudes strongly predict better performance, a relationship that remains consistent across classrooms. These findings underscore the need for effective strategies to enhance student confidence and engagement in mathematics, ultimately supporting their long-term success in STEM fields.

Keywords

mathematics attitudesmathematics performancemultilevel study

Recommended citation

Lehtonen, D., Satomaa, E., Van Hoof, J., Parviainen, M., Laakso, M., Metsämuuronen, J., & Dagienė, V. (2026). The Interplay of Fourth Graders’ Mathematics Attitudes and Performance: a Multilevel Study. In Krzywacki H., Hähkiöniemi M., Haataja E., Hannula M.S., Hästö P. (Eds.), Proceedings of the International Group for the Psychology of Mathematics Education, Volume 1 (pp. 923–930). Psychology of Mathematics Education (PME). ISSN 2790-3648.
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