Open-access Anxiety, Self-Esteem, and Belonging: The Affective Dimensions of Mathematics Learning in Higher Education

This article presents an excerpt from a master's research project developed in the Postgraduate Program in Science and Mathematics Education at the Federal University of Paraná. The aim was to understand the effects of affective dimensions (anxiety, self-efficacy beliefs, and sense of belonging) on mathematics learning in higher education. Based on focus groups with students in exact sciences and technology programs, the data were analyzed using French-oriented Discourse Analysis, as proposed by Orlandi (2020). The results indicate that self-efficacy beliefs are not formed in isolation, but are interconnected with previous experiences, how students perceive themselves in relation to their peers, and their sense of belonging in the academic environment. It was observed that the experience of anxiety is often associated with low self-esteem and a perception of dislocation in evaluative and institutional contexts. On the other hand, experiences of listening, acceptance, and support among peers favor retention and engagement with mathematical content. The data reinforce the importance of considering affectivity as a constitutive dimension of learning and suggest that pedagogical practices sensitive to subjective experiences can increase the possibilities of academic success.

Keywords:
Affectivity; Mathematical anxiety; Self-efficacy beliefs; Sense of belonging; Higher education

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UNESP - Universidade Estadual Paulista, Pró-Reitoria de Pesquisa, Programa de Pós-Graduação em Educação Matemática Avenida 24-A, 1515, Caixa Postal 178, 13506-900 - Rio Claro - SP - Brazil
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