RUME 26
2024
Omaha, Nebraska
Student Happiness in Mathematics: Antecedents of Positive Emotions
Page: 942
Students often express negative emotions in mathematics classes. Positive emotions feel good, but they are important beyond just feeling good. Positive emotions can benefit learning, attitudes, and perceptions of mathematics. In this paper, we discuss why positive emotions are beneficial along with a literature review of common themes which are associated with positive emotions among students. For example, increases in students’ perceptions of personal control and value in the classroom have been associated with increased positive emotions. Many practices already encouraged by mathematics education researchers (e.g. teaching conceptually, helping students find mathematics important) have the added benefit of potentially increasing positive emotions in students. Positive emotions have been shown to be associated with engagement and motivation in mathematics. By increasing positive emotions in the classroom, instructors can encourage the gradual growth of positive attitudes and beliefs about mathematics to students which are currently lacking among many students.