5th and 8th grade pupils’ and teachers’ perceptions of the relationships between teaching methods, classroom ethos, and positive affective attitudes towards learning mathematics in Japan

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• Group discussion promoted enjoyment.

No significant differences were found in the reported frequencies of deployment of Using
a computer, Reading a textbook, Teacher explanation, Individual work and Individual
help. In addition, no significant differences were found in the perceptions of the extent to
which these teaching methods positively promoted pupils’ attitudes.

4.3.2: Comparison of the perceptions of pupils of different age groups

Enjoyment

The results of a series of Independent t-tests outlined in Table 4.3.5 and Figure 4.3.6
below showed that 5^th graders were more likely to perceive that Practical work, Using a
computer, Reading a textbook, Whole-class discussion and Group discussion promoted
their enjoyment than 8^th graders. As before a significant level of <. 01 was adopted.

Table 4.3.5:Comparison between 5^th and 8^th graders: enjoyment (1)

The results of Independent t-tests detailed in Table 4.3.6 and Figure 4.3.6 show that 8^th
graders were more likely to perceive that Individual work and Individual help promoted
their enjoyment than 5^th graders. Overall, enjoyment was seen to be most promoted by
Teacher explanation by both age groups.

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