Initial Motivation as a Factor Predicting the Progress of Learning Mathematics for the Blind

Abstract

There are plenty of obstacles related to studying mathematic for people with sight disability. One of the factors influencing the progress of math learning is the internal motivation. The aim of the paper is to present the possibility of applying the sentiment analysis of free informal statement made by math students, for automatic assessment of initial motivation. The results of conducted tests confirm that the method including motivational elements can lead to the change of cognitive schemas in the previous educational process. A number of visually impaired students, who had been negatively oriented to learning mathematics, changed their attitude after using the developed tool. To have the process of math learning more effective, it is worth to pay attention on the initial motivation and next, to make appropriate interactions in its area.