Abstract:

What do students really think about mathematics and where do they find some of their amazing imaginative approaches and solutions to problems? This enigma presents itself each semester to educators of first year basic mathematics unit for disciplines such as geology, computer studies and health sciences. A simple survey is conducted to gauge the thoughts and sentiments of the students as a tool to assist the communication of mathematical ideas and concepts. This unit may be the last chance to impart the appreciation of mathematics and a bridge to future students’ enjoyment. The challenge is two-fold, the teacher’s challenge to make it real, relevant and riveting against the students’ challenge of preconceptions, misconceptions and no perception. Start a new cycle in the classroom with the parents’ of the next generation in the hope to refresh the face of mathematics.
This paper will discuss the findings of this simple survey of these students’ feelings in 2010. No, it is not groundbreaking research but it is the real situation in 2010. So being the expert in the mathematical topic may not be as important as knowing how students feel and react to mathematics when communicating mathematics.

Keywords:

Mathematics, education, student's feelings.