Choice of courses in mathematics at upper-secondary school and attitudes towards mathematics among business students: The case of Norway

Abstract

This study will focus on students' attitude towards mathematics. A negative attitude might be one reason for choosing practical mathematics in upper secondary school. The sample includes 230 students from 3 business schools in Norway in their first half-year, when business mathematics was on their schedule. The data were collected through surveys. Then, using a factor analysis, a measurement instrument for 'attitude towards mathematics' was constructed. The chosen methods were the independent-samples t-test and a binary logistic regression. A substantial difference was found among the students depending on their choice of the mathematical level at upper-secondary school. The findings suggest that students with practical mathematics have substantially lower self-confidence, value and enjoyment in mathematics than those who chose the other levels of mathematics. Should Norwegian universities consider changing their requirements to a qualification level of skills within mathematics for degrees in economics and business administration? Changing the enrolment rules - requiring theoretical mathematics from upper-secondary school - would perhaps lead students with low self-confidence and enjoyment in mathematics to choose courses that involve less use of mathematics.