• School Mathematics
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• v.19 no.4
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• pp.775-793
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• 2017

In this study, instruments were developed to measure of mathematics attitudes by conceptualization of epistemological beliefs as a cognitive dimension, mindfulness as a conative dimension, affect as an affective dimension. Perry's epistemological development scheme and Langer's mindfulness theory was noticed as a theoretical approach. Exploratory factor and confirmatory factor analyses, and a reliability test were assessed. This article suggest a new framework for analysing attitudes toward mathematics and changes in attitudes toward mathematics.

• School Mathematics
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• v.19 no.2
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• pp.267-287
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• 2017

Fostering students' positive affect related to mathematics such as attitudes toward mathematics and dispositions toward learning mathematical concepts is one of the major goals of school mathematics programs. In this study, we collected data from students at the 4-1 grade levels to develop an instrument that measures students' affect regarding mathematics learning. To develop the instrument, we first conducted focus group interviews, which we recorded, transcribed, and analyzed. We sorted the results according to seven components of the non-cognitive domain of mathematics learning, which drew from taxonomical constructs of previous research. We then conducted a pilot study in which we administered the instrument as a pretest and a posttest. We chose the final items based on confirmatory factor analysis and a reliability test of the pre and posttest scores. The final instrument contains 24 items, which are classified according to the seven components: interest, attitudes, value, external motivation, internal motivation, learning conation, and efficacy. We anticipate this instrument will be useful for studies that need to measure students' non-cognitive characteristics in relation to learning mathematics.

• Journal of Gifted/Talented Education
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• v.13 no.4
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• pp.65-94
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• 2003

The purpose of this study is to acquire the information on the current situation of students' selection process in order to renovate the system of picking up the students. As a first step of the study, we examined the validity of the factors of the single-out system such as qualification and the process for the application and the standards and proceeding of the selection. Then we analysed the result of the entrance examination of Hansung Science Highschool in 2002. The analysis was on the correlation between the result of entrance examination and the achievement in the school and the decision of the course after graduation. To know on the achievement of the students, we investigated the records of regular tests and asked the teachers' opinion in math and science classes. As a result, we gained the following points: First, the present single-out system has a danger of excluding students who are much talented in science and math field because it is based on students' achievements in middle schools; Second, the new selection system should consider the character and attitude of the applicants in addition to their knowledge; Third, the continuous observation of the teacher in middle school should be an important factor of the picking up system; Fourth, more questions requiring divergent thinking ability and inquiry skill should be developed as selective examination question. Also examination questions should cover the various contents from mathematics to science, and do not affect pre-learning; Finally, the system of present letting all students stand in one line should be changed into that of letting students in various lines. We can consider using multi-step selection system.