Mathematics Colloquium

Upcoming Colloquium

Perspectives of Students Who Dislike Mathematics and Ways to Address Their Dislike
Dr. Amrit Thapa, Eastern New Mexico University

October 10, 2025
12:00pm-1:00pm via Zoom

Join 10/10 Zoom
Meeting ID: 814 8121 3482  

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Abstract

Many students report disliking mathematics, yet little research centers the voices of those who hold such negative dispositions. This qualitative study explores the experiences of 15 undergraduates from a mid-size university in Ohio, who self-identified as disliking school mathematics. This study identified that most students developed dislikes of mathematics as early as elementary school, particularly around multiplication and division, with further decline in middle and high school. Six factors contributed to this dislike: irrelevant content, unsupportive instruction, rigid assessments, unaddressed learning disabilities, parental pressure, and negative social and media messaging. Findings further suggest that curricular relevance, instructor support, and flexible assessment are helpful in addressing students’ dislike of mathematics.

Biosketch

Amrit Thapa is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Curriculum and Instruction at Eastern New Mexico University. They earned my doctoral degree from Ohio University. Prior to their doctoral studies, they spent over a decade in K–12 education, teaching mathematics to school students, training K–12 mathematics teachers, and teaching graduate-level mathematics education courses. Currently, they teach undergraduate methods courses, supervise student teaching and residency, and instruct graduate education courses. Their research interests in mathematics education center on equity, democracy, technology, and access.